WBF Champion Asekho Nocele dominates in unanimous Fight Island victory
Asekho Nocele with his coaching staff after retaining his WBF inter-continental title at the weekend.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Perhaps the best talent in the country, at least among those still on the come-up about boxing, Asekho Nocele made a strong Fight Island debut on Saturday night.
The WBF Inter-continental bantamweight champion dominated all ten rounds against a tough-as-nails Saul Hlungwani at Cabo Beach.
Nocele was once again at his crisp and calculated best, while Hlungwani, as always, showed his ability to take a punch. The champ had to settle for a unanimous decision after punishing his opponent from start to finish, with all the judges awarding him every round.
Asekho Nocele had what can be described as just another day in the office on his way to a unanimous victory against Saul Hlungwani.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
After a stint with No Doubt Management, Nocele has returned home under the guidance of Matt Leisching's ML Boxing. The combination of talent and experience, coupled with this latest showing, should position him for major fight opportunities in the early stages of 2026, particularly when considering the opportunities available to his management stablemates.
In Leisching’s stable, Nocele is in the company of WBC Youth champion Khaya Mlata and newly crowned IBO All Africa titleholder Simamkele Tutsheni, both of whom also fight under the same management and captured their titles at Golden Gloves events.
The path ahead for Nocele appears clear and it’s leading straight toward bigger stages and brighter lights.
Known in boxing circles as “The Black Italian,” Nocele trains under the watchful eye of former IBF Inter-continental champion Mzuvukile Magwaca, adding even more depth to an already world-class team.
He headlined what was arguably the best Fight Island card to date, an event that also marked the return of MMA star Don Madge, who closed the show with a first-round exhibition knockout of Fhulufhelo Ramaliba.
Before Nocele stepped into the ring, Dylan “Bam Bam” Prosser set the tone with an emphatic knockout of Sifiso Chili, finishing the fight in under 30 seconds to extend his unbeaten streak to eight.
Also on the card, Tristan Naidoo and Axolile Gabuza produced the Fight of the Night, going toe-to-toe in a thrilling six-round lightweight war.
Naidoo edged out a hard-fought decision on the judges’ scorecards, while Mika-eel Jacobs earned Knockout of the Night honors after flooring Luthando Mkwini in explosive fashion.