Following an International Boxing Federation (IBF) order for an elimination bout between South African boxer Sivenathi ‘Special One’ Nontshinga and Regie Suganob, it has now been confirmed that the Filipino boxer won’t be making his second trip to South Africa.
This was revealed by Suganob’s promoter Floriezyl Podot from PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions. Podot was in South Africa together with Suganob when the Filipino pugilist lost to Nontshinga in an IBF junior-flyweight title fight held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in KuGompo City almost three years ago.
Nontshinga won by a unanimous decision when they first met in July 2023. The three judges were Filipino Gil Robiego Co (116-111), Frenchman Jerome Lades (116-111) and his compatriot Ammar Sakraoui (117-110).
“We are still negotiating. We’re definitely not going to South Africa,” Podot answered when contacted by Ink Sport.
Filipino boxing fans always take a dim view whenever Pinoy boxers come to fight in South Africa. They believe that Pinoy boxers get robbed whenever their fights are held in South Africa.
Meanwhile, the 28-year-old Suganob is rated third by the IBF, fifth in the World Boxing Council (WBC) ratings and is second in the World Boxing Organisation (WBO).
On the other hand, Nontshinga, the 27-year-old former world champion, is fifth in the IBF ratings and is rated 13th by the WBO. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
