Just six weeks ago Nkosinathi “Mabhere” Joyi 21-0(15) won the biggest fight of his life and achieved his life time goal when he beat Raul “Rayito” Garcia for the IBF Strawweight title. Going in it pitted two unbeaten fighters who had a combined record of 47-0-1(31) in what looked a 50-50 fight. However Joyi 27, was always confident in his own ability and won comfortably on the scorecards 118-110, 119-109 & 119-109 in front of his adoring hometown fans in East London. Having turned pro in 2002 Joyi took the long road to the title first winning the South African National title, after 2 years as a pro which he defended six times. That took Joyi onto the International scene where he won the IBO crown which allowed him to move forward making three successful defences all inside the distance. At this point Joyi was ready to turn his attention to the IBF championship where he met former title holder Florante Condes in an eliminator, Joyi won with ease thus setting up the fight with Garcia. Here’s what Joyi had to say.
Hello Nkosinathi, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulation’s on a fantastic win over Raul Garcia, looking back at that fight what are your thoughts on how you felt it went and how it felt to become the World Champion?
Nkosinathi Joyi – The fight went very well for me, I won it by a big margin. I feel great that I finally realised my dream
Anson Wainwright – Though it’s early day’s do you have any idea when you may make your first defence? Any idea who it will be against and where it will take place?
Nkosinathi Joyi – I am looking around August or September, the opponent may be my country man, Tshepo Lefele, who is also promoted by Branco. That will be a good fight in that whoever the winner is, the title will remain in the stable.
Anson Wainwright – How has winning the IBF Strawweight title changed your life? Do people recognise you more now in Mdantsane?
Nkosinathi Joyi – It took my country by storm, even though it was expected, anything is possible in boxing. Recognition is there, more so because I never deserted my province to seek greener pastures else, I remained loyal to my province, hence I get so much support from the people.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team, who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you use to train at?
Nkosinathi Joyi – My promoter is Branco Milenkovic, Business Manager Siphatho Handi & Trainer Boyboy Mpulampula. They are a very strong SA Team.
Anson Wainwright – Your quite tall for Strawweight at 5’6 do you have any problems making 105? what is your walk around weight?
Nkosinathi Joyi – I have absolutely no problem in making my weight (47,63kg), as I am always in the gym. I relax @ 50kg. My management is very strict, they give me only two weeks break after each and every fight.
Anson Wainwright – Though the Strawweight division isn’t the most popular weight class around there are several very good fighters there what do you think of your weight class at the moment?
Nkosinathi Joyi – I want to unify all the titles in my division, but the first one to go for after my first defence is Roman Gonzalez, I’ve read in a number of his local news papers that he can’t wait to fight me. I am, therefore, pleading with my mangament to bring him on. Please make it happen, I am ready.
Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your younger days and how it took you into Boxing?
Nkosinathi Joyi – I never new that I would be a boxer in my life. I used to accompany my friends & my elder brother to Mr. Handi’s gym, watch them fight in amateur boxing tournaments, but one day in 1997, Mr. Handi refused to let me go, he forced me to train, that is how it started, the rest is history.
Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing?
Nkosinathi Joyi – Away from boxing, I listen to African traditional music & watch soccer.
Anson Wainwright – Your Nickname is Mabhere, where did that come from and what does it mean?
Nkosinathi Joyi – Mabhere, means Baby Bear, very kind & innocent when there is no problem, but very aggressive & vicious when provoked. It came from my Mom, Evelyn.
Anson Wainwright – Who is your hero in Boxing growing up and why?
Nkosinathi Joyi – George Foreman, for bravery during his days, even when he did his come back after a long lay off.
Anson Wainwright – What are your goals in Boxing? Unify the title’s, move up to Light Flyweight, fight over seas etc?
Nkosinathi Joyi – Unify all the titles in my division, as I have no reason to move up my division, I will not make the Light Flyweight.
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the Boxing fans of the World?
Nkosinathi Joyi – Fans of boxing around the world: Watch out for Mabhere as he is the History Maker.
Thanks for your time and once again congratulations on winning the title.
You are more than welcome Anson, thanks for your interest in me.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
