South African flyweight star Jackson Chauke returns to Africa Boxing screens this week, looking to add to the ABU belt he won in July, taking on Sinethemba Kotana for the South African title.
ESPN Africa Boxing 21 takes place in Johannesburg on Thursday September 22, with Chauke and Kotana leading the card with a 12-round bout.
Chauke, known as 'M3', comes into the clash on the back of a TKO win over Mustafa Mkupasi in ESPN Africa Boxing 19 in July -- a victory which secured him the vacant Africa Boxing Union (ABU) Flyweight title.
Kotana, meanwhile, has put together a three-fight winning streak by overcoming Mogale Molefe, Lebogang Pilane and Sihle Jelwana in the past year, setting himself up for this shot at the national title.
The co-main is a battle for the SA Mini Flyweight title between Bangile Nyangani (21-1-1) and Gaveni Nkwenteni (6-3-1). The former holds the championship belt and his trainer, Alan Toweel, has backed him to rack up a fifth straight win and extend his unbeaten streak to 10 matches.
"Bangile is currently rated number seven in the World Boxing Association, ninth in the International Boxing Federation, 13th in the World Boxing Organisation and 15th in the World Boxing Council world boxing ratings," Toweel told ESPN.
"A win for him will elevate him further up the world rankings." The rest of the main card features a Super Middleweight clash over eight rounds between Patrick Mukala (12-2-1) and Simion Tchetha (12-5-1); a six-round Junior Middleweight match in which Darrin Rossouw (5-0-0) takes on Sheldon Schultz (4-3-0).
Rowan Campbell (12-1-0) ends a lengthy absence from the 'squared circle' with an eight-round Light Heavyweight battle against the unbeaten Luvuyo Sizani (6-0-0).
Campbell was last in action in March 2021, suffering a TKO loss to Ryno Liebenberg at Emperor's Palace in a match for the BSA, IBO All Africa and WBA Pan African Super Middleweight Titles.
"I am feeling good," said Campbell ahead of his long-awaited return. "I am keen and ready. I have been training the whole time. I am excited to get back inside the ring and do what I love.
"I am not going to make any predictions against Luvuyo. The guys from the Eastern Cape know how to box, but I am boxing to win. I want to prove myself."
The action will be broadcast live on Thursday at 19:00 [CAT] on ESPN (DStv 218, Starsat 248), SABC Sport and selected international broadcasters, including ESPN across Latin America.
ESPN Africa Boxing 21 Fight Card
- Main event: SA Flyweight Title (12 Rounds): Jackson Chauke (21-2-1) v Sinethemba Kotana (8-2-2)
- Co-main: SA Mini Flyweight Title (12 Rounds): Bangile Nyangani (21-1-1) v Gaveni Nkwenteni (6-3-1)
- Super Middleweight (8 Rounds): Patrick Mukala (12-2-1) v Simion Tchetha (12-5-1)
- Light Heavyweight (8 Rounds): Rowan Campbell (12-1-0) v Luvuyo Sizani (6-0-0)
- Junior Middleweight (6 Rounds): Darrin Rossouw (5-0-0) v Sheldon Schultz (4-3-0)