Manager backs Joyi to redeem himself

EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 30, Nkosinathi Joyi and Katsunari Takayama during the International Boxing Federation minimumweight title bout between Nkosinathi Joyi and Katsunari Takayama at Orient Theatre on March 30, 2012 in East London, South Africa Photo by Gallo Images

EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA - MARCH 30, Nkosinathi Joyi and Katsunari Takayama during the International Boxing Federation minimumweight title bout between Nkosinathi Joyi and Katsunari Takayama at Orient Theatre on March 30, 2012 in East London, South Africa Photo by Gallo Images

Published Nov 19, 2012

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East London – Nkosinathi Joyi's manager believes the fighter will redeem himself when he returns to the ring to face Walter Rojas from Argentina in a WBA mini-flyweight elimination bout in East London on December 8.

Joyi, who was rated by United States' Ring magazine as the best boxer in his division, suffered a shock seventh-round loss to Mexican Mario Rodriguez in an IBF minimumweight title contest in September.

It was the 29-year-old Joyi's first defeat since turning professional almost 11 years ago.

“Mabhere (Joyi) is ready to show people that he has overcome the shock of losing his title to Rodriguez,” the boxer's manager and promoter, Siphatho Handi, said on Monday.

“He was not hurt during his loss to Rodriguez. He lost the fight because of unbearable heat.”

Rojas, 25, has registered 19 wins (18KOs), a draw and two defeats compared to Joyi's 22 victories (15KOs) and one loss.

Meanwhile, Ali Funeka and fellow South African Zolani Marali will meet in a rematch of their WBF junior-welterweight contest while charismatic SA junior-featherweight champion Macbute Sinyabi clashes with Pfariso Neluvhalani on the same bill.

Funeka won the WBF title following a split decision against Marali in Johannesburg last year.

Gabisile Tshabalala will defend her SA female junior-featherweight belt against Nomvelo Magcaba, with Unathi Myekeni squaring up against Brazilian opponent Halanna dos Santos in a WBA International junior-featherweight contest.

Tshifhiwa Munyai and former WBF junior-featherweight king Oscar Chauke will fight for the WBA Pan-African title. – Sapa

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