‘SCAMMED’ BOXER FACES TITLE FIGHT AND LAND DISPUTE

By ONN Reporter

Former world title contender Siboniso “Tiger” Gonya is fighting battles inside and outside the ring as he prepares to defend his KwaZulu-Natal junior featherweight title while pursuing a land dispute in Mtubatuba.

Gonya is scheduled to face rising boxer Akshay Singh at a Siyethaba Boxing Promotions event, organised by Sandile Vilakazi, in the Ugu District next month.

But the champion’s preparations have been clouded by what he believes is a land scam involving a plot he bought in KwaNdonyana in December last year.

Gonya said he was shocked when a neighbour contacted him in May to report that people were building on his land. He claims the seller later told him he had changed his mind and offered to refund the purchase price of R25,000.

By then, Gonya said, he had already spent additional money on building materials, clearing the bush and preparing the site.

The dispute was referred to the local headman, but the seller allegedly failed to attend a scheduled hearing. Attempts to obtain his comment were unsuccessful.

Gonya has since instructed Durban-based lawyers, who have reportedly served the seller with a summons.

The boxer admitted the matter had caused him considerable stress as he prepared for his title defence.

Gonya, who challenged the late Zolani “Last Born” Tete for a world title after a successful international campaign, now hopes to put the dispute aside and concentrate on Singh.

For Gonya, victory would mean more than retaining a belt — it would be another step forward in a career he refuses to give up on.