South African Champion Sivenathi Nontshinga Gears Up for Mandatory Title Defense Against Japan’s Masamichi Yabuki
In a highly anticipated bout, the International Boxing Federation (IBF) has ordered South Africa’s reigning light flyweight champion, Sivenathi Nontshinga, to defend his title against Japan’s Masamichi Yabuki. This matchup comes after the original challenger, Christian Araneta from the Philippines, was forced to withdraw due to an injury.
Undeterred by the change of opponent, the confident champion Nontshinga remains prepared for the challenge. “I feel good, as long as I step inside the ring and defend my world title,” he stated. “The aim is to stay active and unify the division, and this fight has been spoken about for a while. I knew someday I would fight him. In order for me to become the best, I have to fight them and beat them. I am now ready for the world.”
Nontshinga’s manager and trainer, Colin Nathan, received a call from Teiken Promotions last week, indicating that WBC and WBA champion Kenshiro Teraji might be considering a move up in weight, potentially opening the door for a unification bout. “I was surprised when I got told that, but it is what it is,” said Nathan. “We will now focus on our mandatory and defending our title. Yabuki, the former WBC world champion, hits like a mule and is dangerous, but Sive will prove just how good he is by beating him impressively.”
Addressing the possibility of Teraji opting to move up, Nontshinga stated, “If they don’t want to fight me, then they must move up and let me take over the division.”
The two camps, with Nontshinga represented by Matchroom and Yabuki by Lush Midri Promotions, have until July 19 to conclude negotiations for the highly anticipated light flyweight title showdown.
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