South African boxing champion Sivenathi ‘The Special One’ Nontshinga has escaped a car accident without injuries, just weeks before a crucial world title eliminator in the Philippines.
Also see: Slain boxing champion Zolani Tete continues to receive tributes
Sivenathi was involved in the accident on Monday, 24 August 2026, while travelling along Malibongwe Drive in Johannesburg on his way to the gym. His vehicle was reportedly hit by a truck.
Daily Sun reported that the 27-year-old boxer was travelling with a driver and was sitting in the front seat when the crash happened. According to his manager, Sivenathi normally sits in the back but had chosen to sit in front on the day of the accident.
Sivenathi Nontshinga escapes injury
Despite the impact, Sivenathi did not suffer any physical injuries. He was reportedly shaken by the incident, however, prompting his team to cancel his training session for the day as a precaution.
His trainer and manager, Nathan ‘Nomakanjani’ Collen, later confirmed that the boxer was fine and that the accident had not derailed his preparations.
Sivenathi himself reportedly said: “I am fine, and so is the driver. God was watching over us.”
Nathan said he and his assistant, Shannon Strydom, were at the gym when Sivenathi called to inform them about the accident. The team subsequently decided to give him the day off before resuming training.
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Fight preparations continue
The accident comes at a crucial point in Sivenathi’s career. The former two-time IBF junior-flyweight world champion is preparing for an IBF world title eliminator against Filipino boxer Regie ‘Filipino Phenom’ Suganob in the Philippines on 12 September 2026.
The winner of the bout will move closer to another opportunity to fight for the IBF world title.
Despite the frightening incident, Sivenathi’s team has indicated that the fight remains on track. His manager said the boxer would continue with his preparations, while Nathan confirmed that the accident had not caused any injuries that would prevent him from returning to training.
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The crash also comes shortly after the death of former two-time world champion Zolani Tete, whom Sivenathi regarded as a role model. The boxing community has been mourning Zolani following his death in Mdantsane.
For Sivenathi, the immediate focus is now on recovering from the shock of the accident and getting back to full training ahead of his important September fight.
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