He told anyone who would listen that he was confident, but deep down Colin Nathan couldn’t have believed he would go 3-0 on Saturday night.
All three of his fighters were matched tough, not least of them Lerato Dlamini, the tyro who went in against experienced former world champion Simpiwe Vetyeka.
Ultimately, Dlamini produced the upset of the night at Emperors Palace, outboxing Vetyeka, while Ryno Liebenberg saw off upstart Patrick Mukala and DeeJay Kriel handled Thembelani Okolo.
The wins were a quiet triumph for Nathan, who continues to burnish a fine reputation for preparing his boxers for major bouts.
“It was all due to careful planning and preparation. I had a good game plan for Dlamini and he executed perfectly,” said Nathan. “DeeJay had the right idea, but he didn’t let his hands go enough. And Ryno was in good shape – he punished Mukala, demonstrating they were on different levels.”
Nathan has been amused by the reaction to Dlamini’s win, many saying that Vetyeka was over the hill.
“It’s funny, but no-one was saying that before the fight. Vetyeka was as he always is. He’s always had that pace. Maybe Dlamini just had a brilliant night, working that hard jab beautifully up the middle. No-one gave him a chance, but this is boxing . . . “
Nathan has watched several of Azinga Fuzile’s fights and rates him as a top boxer, but he says he’s seen something in his armoury which they plan to exploit in the Super Four featherweight final next March.
“People forget that Dlamini was also a very good amateur fighter and a Zone Six champion. Remember, too, that we weren’t even supposed to be in the Super Four. Lusanda Komanisi had been earmarked, so Dlamini is already a winner by getting this far against the odds.”
Kriel won easily enough against a canny foe, but Nathan wanted more from the strawweight. “We knew Okolo had a hard left hook. DeeJay likes to drag things out, but that’s no excuse. He must get busier and throw more combinations.”
Nathan’s wish is for Liebenberg to wrap things up next year with a championship belt of sorts. While he showed there’s still fight in him, he has achieved more than most, has a growing family – there’s a baby on the way – and doesn’t need the money.
“He’s honest, charismatic and never been in a bad fight,” said Nathan. “It’s been a lot of fun. Hopefully there are a few more good nights.”
