It’s hectic moments for Johannesburg-based boxing trainer Collin ‘Nomakanjani’ Nathan as he’s preparing to invade Japan using two boxers in next month’s very important world title fights.
Nathan’s Eastern Cape-born boxers Sivenathi ‘Special One’ Nontshinga and Phumelela ‘The Truth’ Cafu are going to launch a Japan invasion as they seek crucial wins against Japanese boxers.
Nontshinga is scheduled to defend his International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-flyweight crown against Misamichi Yabuki, a former World Boxing Council (WBC) champion, at the Aichi Sky Expo Convention Centre in Tokoname on Saturday, 12 October.
Two days later, unbeaten Cafu challenges World Boxing Organisation (WBO) junior-bantamweight titlist Kosei Tanaka at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
“We will leave with Nontshinga earlier next month. It’s gonna be me, Nontshinga together with Bernie Pailman, Thembani Gopheni and Hayden Jones,” Nathan revealed.
Cafu, meanwhile, will travel to Tokyo with Shannon Strydom, Boxing 5 Promotions boss Larry Wainstein and Mike Altamura from Australia. Nathan, Pailman and Jones will only join them in Tokyo after Nontshinga’s fight against Yabuki.
“Mike is one of my closest friends in boxing. Our friendship goes back 21 years ago. He is a world champion manager,” Nathan said referring to Altamura.
Nathan added: “Larry will travel to watch Nontshinga. A day after the Nontshinga fight, Larry, Bernie, Hayden and I will take a bullet train to Tokyo to be with Cafu.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
