In a recent development in South African boxing, Droeks Malan, the acting chairperson of the sanctioning committee of Boxing SA, has confirmed that Nkosinathi Sibisi is the approved challenger for SA junior-bantamweight champion Moyisi Booi. According to Malan, Sibisi was sanctioned in June when he was ranked the No 1 contender. This confirmation comes after Jackson Chauke expressed his perplexity regarding the matchup.
Malan's affirmation of Sibisi as the approved challenger was made possible after Irvin Buhlalu, the previous chairperson of the sanctioning committee, resigned last month. Malan was subsequently appointed as the chairperson in an acting capacity by the Boxing SA board. The development has set the stage for a potential bout between Booi and Sibisi, although Malan emphasized that nothing is official yet as they have not received the application for the tournament.
Jackson Chauke, however, has voiced his concerns and disappointment, stating that he is the No 1 contender and should be the one facing Booi. Chauke's position is supported by BSA's analysis of the August ratings, which shows that Nkosinathi Sibiya was removed from the No 1 spot due to inactivity, and Chauke moved to No 1. Chauke has already lodged a formal challenge with Boxing SA to face Sibisi.
Chauke, a 41-year-old ring veteran, is currently the flyweight belt holder and has successfully defended it five times. He vacated the belt after winning the IBO world title in 2024, as per BSA's Regulation 5(a) of the Boxing Amendment Regulations. Under the regulation, if a national champion wins a world championship title from an organization recognized by BSA, the champion's national title shall be declared vacant.
Chauke's career is guided by trainers Damien Durandt and Andson Kazembe. His last fight was in July, where he won a blow-by-blow match-up against 39-year-old former three-weight IBO world champion, Gideon Buthelezi, in Sandton. Chauke aims to become a two-weight SA champion.
Sibisi, on the other hand, has been waiting for his chance to face Booi. He was ranked No 1 contender in June and was subsequently sanctioned by Malan. The potential bout between Booi and Sibisi is yet to be officially confirmed, with Malan stating that they are still awaiting the application for the tournament.
The confirmation of Sibisi as the approved challenger for Booi has set the stage for an interesting matchup in the South African boxing scene. With Chauke's concerns and his own aspirations to become a two-weight SA champion, the boxing community will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this development.
Key points
- Nkosinathi Sibisi was sanctioned as the approved challenger for Moyisi Booi in June.
- Jackson Chauke has expressed his concerns and disappointment, stating that he is the No 1 contender and should face Booi.
- Chauke aims to become a two-weight SA champion, currently holding the IBO world title and the flyweight belt.
