It’s a big month for two of Khayelitsha’s professional boxers, Asavela Peter and Simamkele Finini.
Not only is Peter writing his final national matric exams, but he is also gearing up for an epic rematch against Finini, with the vacant Western Cape junior flyweight title on the line.
Both boxers are hard at camp, with each having something to prove.
Peter’s ambitions to win are favoured by his youth and hunger for the title. Having received an upset in his last encounter for the provincial belt against Sandiso Centane, the Matthew Goniwe Memorial High School pupil bounced back with a victory over Finini last month, pushing Peter’s record to four wins and one loss.
“Preparations are good because I tell myself that I want this. In this rematch, I don’t see any changes because I’m going to do what I did before, and even more. So I will become a champion with this,” said Peter.
Training under coach Zola Koti at Future Champs in Philippi, Peter said it will be all or nothing come Saturday November 23.
His manager, Jeremy Bean, said the weigh-in will be held at Matthew Goniwe Memorial High School on Friday November 22.
Promoter, Jack Brice said the the fight will take place at Van Der Stel Primary School, in Wynberg, on November 23.
Bean said since the age of 6, the 20-year-old Peter has been a testament of hard work, consistency and taking opportunity as it comes at Future Champs. They have bright plans for him in sports.
For the 31-year-old Finini, age is nothing but a number.
With a record of one win and three losses, a win for Finini would be the beginning of his journey.
His manager, Thembelani Lingani said they have ambitions of the SA title.
“A lot is at stake for Finini. He is a lot older. It’s a do-or-die’ situation. He wants the national title. Peter on the other hand has nothing to lose because of his age. We are ready to make a statement,” said Lingani.
Training under coach Sipho Stwayi and Libamen Jakuja at Vuyiseka Hall in Philippi, Finini, originally from Mthatha, said he is ready to cause an upset.
“This fight means a lot to me. We started boxing at a young age, wanting to be champions. We know this fight will be tough. I fought against the young man before. We know him. Last time we fought well but the results were in his favour. We know him. We are fit,” said Finini.
