Asekho Nocele with his coach Mzuvukile Magwaca after his seventh-round stoppage win.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Boxing trainer and manager Colin Nathan does not miss an opportunity to sing the praise of his young charge, Asekho Nocele.
Nathan was in Wynberg over the weekend, working in Nocele's corner at the Jack Brice Promotions event, where the rising star extended his record to 8-0.
His latest achievement came by way of a seventh-round TKO over Lopez Maluleke in their scheduled eight-rounder.
Nocele now has six knockouts in his eight professional fights as he continues his steady climb up the ranks.
Since linking up with No Doubt Management and Nathan about a year ago, the chemistry has been undeniable.
Nathan said the weekend's win was a good learning experience for the talented Nocele.
Asekho Nocele sets up his combo against Lopez Maluleke
Image: Buntu Gotywa
“Maluleke is better than his record suggests and stopping him is really massive. No one really stops him, and the fact that Nocele was able to get the stoppage was really good,” said Nathan.
"I think he had a good learning experience, and I think the world of this kid. I think he is very talented.
“We don’t know exactly what’s next, but the plan is to keep him active. He’s charismatic, and if there’s one kid in South Africa to watch, it’s him.”
The charisma Nathan speaks of when referring to "Prince" is clear, both in and out of the ring.
Lukhangele Majali, left, got a stoppage win against Nikho Loli.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
It’s not about flashiness or showboating; his presence is built on pure boxing skills and a sharp ring IQ that’s sure to trouble many in the bantamweight division.
At just 21 years old, there’s a sense that boxing fans have only seen the beginning of what Nocele is capable of.
And for all his raw talent, both he and Nathan understand that consistent activity is key to unlocking his full potential. That’s why staying busy is the plan.
If everything falls into place, he may be back in action at the next Boxing 5 event.
Nocele’s performance in Wynberg headlined what became an explosive night of boxing, at an event that turned out to be much shorter than most, thanks to a string of early finishes. Of the seven bouts on the card, six ended in stoppages — a real treat for the fight fans in attendance.
Before Nocele stepped into the ring, Wassim Chellan made a powerful statement of his own, needing just two rounds to remind everyone why he’s a force in the welterweight division. He took care of Siphenathi Qampi with clinical precision for a TKO win, once again putting his name in the conversation for a title shot.
Olwethu Makhathala and Noxolo Magagula were involved in a spectacular four-round bout won by Makhathala.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Earlier in the evening, Tshepo Nokhele stunned the crowd with a first-round stoppage of Philippi’s own Asavela Peter in what was Nokhele’s professional debut.
Jason Paal followed that up with a two-round dispatch of Vuyani Kosana, while Calvin Madondo and Lukhangele Majali also secured stoppage victories — Madondo over Siphesande Luthuli, and Majali against Nikho Loli.
The only bout that went the full distance was the much-anticipated women’s showdown between Olwethu Makhathala and Noxolo Magagula. Both fighters made their professional debut and delivered an intense, high-energy contest. With neither able to stop the other, the judges were called into action, and Makhathala emerged with the decision win.