South African two-time IBF light-flyweight world champion Sivenathi “Special One” Nontshinga has been involved in a serious car accident on Malibongwe Drive in Johannesburg.

The 27-year-old, who was born in the Eastern Cape, came up from Newlands near Mdantsane and has become one of South Africa’s top fighters in the lighter weight divisions. He is another EC-born boxer who has carried the hopes of his community onto the world stage.

This comes just a few days after two-time world champion Zolani Tete was gunned down right in front of his home. The back-to-back incidents have left the local boxing fraternity and fans shaken.

Nontshinga was in full training camp ahead of a major IBF world title eliminator against Filipino fighter Regie Suganob. His flight to the Philippines was scheduled for 4 September, with the bout expected to take place around mid-September.

The rematch carries huge stakes. Nontshinga previously beat Suganob by unanimous decision in July 2023 while making the first defence of his IBF title. A win in this eliminator would put him in position for a third world title reign, a historic first for a South African in the light-flyweight division.

News of the crash spread quickly, and the Eastern Cape, particularly East London society, has been expressing their frustrations and hope via social media.

Many fans from Mdantsane, Newlands, and across Buffalo City posted messages of support, prayers, and calls for road safety. Others voiced anger that two of the province’s biggest boxing names have been caught up in violence and tragedy within days of each other.

“Special One put EC on the map. We are praying for him,” one post read. Another said, “First Zolani, now Sivenathi. Our champions deserve better protection.”

Authorities have not yet released further details on the circumstances of the crash or on Nontshinga’s current condition. His management team has also not issued a formal statement.

Given the timing, questions are now being raised about whether his travel plans and the upcoming fight will go ahead as scheduled.

For now, supporters are waiting for updates and hoping for positive news.

This is a developing story and we will share more information as it becomes available.

Related story: Two Arrested In Probe Into Fatal Shooting Of Former World Champion Boxer Zolani Tete