Araneta pokes fun at South African foe

CEBU, Philippines — Cebuano boxer Christian “The Bomb” Araneta of Omega Gym poked fun at his South African opponent Sivenathi “Special One” Nontshinga during the first time they met face-to-face at the mandatory medical check-up three days ahead of their ring showdown.

The Borbon, Cebu-native Araneta yesterday posted a photo on his Facebook page showing him and the Nontshinga engaging in a staredown that is traditionally being done after the official weigh-in a day before each boxing event.

While he cordially obliged for photo-op, Araneta took notice of Nontshinga’s unusual gesture wherein the undefeated South African knockout artist pointed his left fist straight to his face, as if intimidating him.

“Medical raman unta, dili paman unta weigh-in. Excited sad ni siya da (We’re here for the medical check-up, it’s not yet the weigh-in. He’s too excited),” wrote Araneta.

The 25-year-old Araneta (19-1,15KOs) will battle Nontshinga (9, 9KOsd) in a 12-round IBF light flyweight elimination bout headlining trhe “Boxing Lockdown” show this Sunday (April 25, Phl time) at Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

The winner will earn the right to challenge reigning IBF light flyweight champion Felix Alvarado (36-2, 31KOs) of Nicaragua. — EBV