Njekanye unfazed by heavy duty boxing weekend

Duncan Village trainer Mzamo “Chief” Njekanye’s busy schedule has forced him to take his boxer Azinga Fuzile with him to Johannesburg even though he will be fighting in Durban on Sunday.

This is because another of Njekanye’s boxers, Asandiswa Nxokwana, will be in action on Friday when she takes on Malawian opponent Ellen Simwaka in a featherweight clash.

The fight means Njekanye has two assignments in two provinces in one weekend.

“I had to take Azinga along with me to Johannesburg so that we can keep polishing up our strategy while also working with Nxokwana,” Njekanye said.

Fuzile will clash against Mexican Rene Tellez Giron for the IBO Intercontinental lightweight title at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday. He will fly to Durban from Johannesburg on Friday to be on time for the weigh-in on Saturday, leaving Njekanye behind to plot Nxokwana’s success.

Having two big fights in one weekend in two provinces does not bother Njekanye, who thrives on challenging his boxing expertise.

Last week, he was in Durban to guide his charge Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni to a stunning seven-rounds stoppage of tough Thai Apinun Khongsong in an international junior-welterweight clash.

Though he has enjoyed a good run in the ring, Njekanye might be found wanting when he manages Nxokwana’s corner against Simwaka.

The Malawian lass is as tough as they come, having faced highlevel opposition compared to Nxokwana. Though she has lost five times and drawn twice in 18 bouts, Simwaka is enjoying a four-fight winning streak which includes three against SA opposition. The good run includes a win over reigning SA bantamweight champion Sharadene Fortuin while she also scored stoppage victories over Melissa Miller and Gabisile Tshabalala.