By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Fighting for the second time against Thulani Mbenge is a dream come
true for reigning South African welterweight champion Mziwoxolo
Ndwayana.
Initially, Ndwayana was set to meet Odwa Duru, but that fight fell
through. Just before the Duru fight fell through Ndwayana dreamt of a
duel with Mbenge.
And indeed his dream came true when he was told that he was going to
defend his national title against Mbenge.
The two Eastern Cape boxers met for the first time fighting for the
same title in 2017 and Mbenge emerged victorious. Now Ndwayana is out
for revenge.
‘‘I have worked very hard preparing for this fight. Mbenge beat me the
last time. I only had three weeks to prepare for our previous fight,’’
said Ndwayana.
‘‘I had been training all along because I was meant to fight against
Odwa Duru. I dreamt about this fight and I’m ready for Mbenge. I’m going to defend my belt.’’
Ndwayana from Makhanda watched Mbenge’s fight against Mardochee Kuvesa
Katembo in an African Boxing Union (ABU) welterweight clash in October
without knowing that he was going to meet Mbenge again.
‘‘I watched his fight against Kuvesa. I saw that he didn’t get what he
wanted from that fight. It was not a tough fight. I know he wants a
tough fight and I’m the only person who can give him that,’’ Ndwayana
said.
East London-born Mbenge, meanwhile, is grateful to have his second
fight in two months having last fought in October.
‘‘I’m feeling good as you say this is the second one during this
pandemic, during these corona times. We must be grateful that we are
fighting. I’m grateful to be part of this tournament. I didn’t rest
after my last fight as I already had talks with TLB,’’ Mbenge, who is
the current ABU welterweight champion, said referring to his talks
with TLB Boxing Promotions.
‘‘Ndwayana is a tough guy, but we worked hard and we are ready for
this fight. I fought recently, but I can tell you that nothing gives
you an edge in boxing, one just has to be ready as we cannot take
anyone lightly.’’
The former SA and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) welterweight
champion has said that he is not worried about having his second fight
in front of empty seats.
‘‘Fans are important, but there is nothing we can do now as we are in
the middle of a pandemic, the second wave is upon us. We will make do
without fans,’’ he said
