With number one rated Mxolisi ‘Nation’ Zuma engaged to fight in Namibia next month, Vusi Ngcamu has challenged current South African junior-featherweight champion Siyabulela Hem.
The Duncan Village-based Hem has not defended his crown since December last year and Ngcamu’s trainer Alan Toweel believes that it’s time for the champion to test his skills against his boxer, who’s rated number in the SA junior-featherweight division.
On the other hand, Zuma faces Namibian boxer Fillipus Nghitumbwa in a World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Global junior-featherweight title contest in Windhoek on Saturday, 9 August.
“Zuma is number one in the junior-featherweight and Ngcamu is number two. In the past couple of months, I have been submitting challenge forms for the SA junior-featherweight title,” Toweel revealed.
“I know Vusi is not the mandatory challenger. Obviously, he’s number two. But Hem hasn’t defended his title since December 2024. Zuma is gonna fight for the WBO Global title in August, that means Vusi is next in line to challenge for the SA junior-featherweight title. That’s why I re-sent the challenge form for the SA junior-featherweight title.
“According to regulations, the SA champion should defend the SA title every three months. I’m hoping that we get the shot for the SA title depending on the fact that Zuma is fighting for the WBO Global title.”
Toweel added: “We signed a contract to fight him last year, but that never materialised. Vusi is ready to fight for the SA title. His last fight was a draw against Ardy Katompo, a very good boxer.”
Ngcamu drew with Katompo in June while Hem defeated Ghanaian opponent John Zile in a WBO Youth junior-featherweight title three months ago. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
