One of South Africa’s most promising young fighters, Nhlanhla Tyirha, is scheduled to meet Orlie Silvestre from the Philippines for the vacant International Boxing Federation Intercontinental junior flyweight title at the International Convention Centre in East London on Sunday afternoon.
The 22-year-old Tyirha, who fights from the southpaw stance, made his pro debut at the Orient Theatre in East London on 17 June 2018 with a six-round points win over Sabelo Nkosi.
He then went on to score victories over Sakhekile Qumba (pro debut) and Luyanda Kwanka (9-14-2) on an eight-round split decision, before winning the South African junior flyweight title in only his fourth fight, with a third-round knockout win over Bongani Silila (16-5-3).
On 28 April 2019, he went in against the vastly more experienced former South African and world champion Nkosinathi Joyi to suffer his only defeat, when he was beaten on points over 12 rounds in a clash for the WBO Africa light flyweight title.
He then scored victories over Filipino fighters Joey Canoy, Jaysever Abcede and Ecneth Domingo, all on points, to take his record to 7-1-2 (2).
Silvestre, 28, made his pro debut in December 2012 and has compiled a record of 17-6-2 (9) with no standout fighters on his record.
In 2020, he lost to Olimjon Nazarov on points over 12 rounds for the WBO Orient flyweight title and his two recent fights have been victories against Bonjun Loperezand and Arnold Garde, who have poor records.
This looks like another Filipino folder, with the South African, who is ranked at No 14 by the IBF, winning on wide margins over 12 rounds.
Orlie Silvestre ???? vs Nhlanhla Tyirha ???? for the vacant @IBFUSBAboxing Intercontinental Light Flyweight Title. #WarDKalibre?????? pic.twitter.com/x0ZhpQMFiy
— OLE (@ajoaquinarieta) October 27, 2022
UNDERCARD
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