Undefeated Nocele aims for KO win in WBF title defence at Fight Island

Khayelitsha's Asekho Nocele is back in action under new management this weekend, after joining forces with Matt Leisching of ML Boxing. And he has a promise for his supporters ahead of his WBF Inter-Continental bantamweight title defence, to be the first man to stop Saul Hlongwane at Cabo Beach on Saturday, October 25.

He already made six of his eight opponents eat dust while preserving his 100% win rate. Nocele says he’s looking to make Hlongwane number seven in his KO wins.

Speaking at the pre-fight press conference, the junior bantamweight said all preparations have gone according to plan and he’s more than ready to put on a show for the crowd at the scenic seaside venue.

Hlongwane is no stranger to Cape Town, making his second appearance there in as many fights, his first being a decision loss to Khaya Mlata.“The preparations were very good, with some solid sparring,” said Nocele. “So I’m pretty sure I’m ready for the fight and will deliver on the night.”

The new partnership with Leisching brings fresh opportunities for "The Black Italian" to move into the Golden Gloves spotlight, with Leisching working closely with promotions boss Rodney Berman. The goal is clear, bigger platforms, bigger fights.

Current WBC Youth bantamweight champ Khaya Mlata is one of the young stars recently making waves under the same promotional banner, having made his debut through the Leisching-Berman link-up.

The Nocele-Hlongwane fight headlines another blockbuster Fight Island card presented by ML Boxing in collaboration with Insane Promotions. Nocele will be topping the bill in the professional boxing segment.

Closing the night will be MMA star Don Madge, stepping back into the spotlight with an exhibition bout against Fulufhelo Ramaliba, marking his return to combat sports after his retirement from MMA.