Rising bantamweight star aims for a busy 2025

One of the hottest boxing prospects, not just in Cape Town but the country right now, Asekho Nocele, has been relatively quiet for a while.

But that is all about to change in the coming weeks; the new year has brought a new sense of purpose for the Khayelitsha resident, with new management in place and the same determined fighter ready to deliver another stellar performance inside the ring.

Nocele’s last fight was in September 2024, when he faced Khaya Gangqa for the WBF Intercontinental bantamweight title.

That fight marked his official new partnership with the highly respected Colin Nathan and No Doubt Management.

Nathan, known for his ability to mould champions, was in Cape Town to watch Nocele's dominant win and it was clear from that performance that Nocele had immense potential. He successfully dispatched Gangqa in that fight, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the bantamweight division.

No Doubt Management is synonymous with world champions, the most recent being Phumelela Cafu, the WBO World Champion. Other names associated with the management include Moruti Mthalane, Hekki Budler and Sivenathi Nontshinga.

Besides what plans they have in the boardroom, Nocele is ready to return to the ring. On Friday February 21, he will face Siphosethu Mhlahlo in a six-rounder, with the fight being promoted by Boxing 5.

For Nocele, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a busy year ahead. A month later, he will step into the ring again for a 10-round fight, this time promoted by Jackie Brice Promotions.

Despite promising great things this year, Nocele remains humble and cautious, saying he doesn’t want to count his chickens before they hatch.

However, he did hint at some exciting opportunities that are already in the pipeline.

“We do have very big plans this year and it’s really going to be a busy year,” he said.

Nocele has a perfect professional record of 6-0. Having Nathan in his corner can only help accelerate his growth as a fighter.

Nathan has expressed his excitement about working with Nocele, calling him a “great talent with a bright future”.