BLOEMFONTEIN – The Free State’s golden boxing queen Matshediso Mokatsane (née Mokebisi) will return to the boxing ring in Bloemfontein, attempting to settle the score against old rival Bukiwe “Anaconda” Nonina. Their bout headlines the all-women’s tournament to be staged in the Batho Community Hall on Saturday 5 September. Organised by Queen Empire Boxing Promotions, the showdown is set to start at 14:00.

A supporting contest featuring Emma Mohono and Namhla Makayi will see them battling it out in the junior bantamweight division. Nonina and Mokatsane will square off for the Free State bantamweight title. The two boxers will meet for the fourth time. In two previous contests, including a thrilling World Boxing Federation (WBF) bantamweight title rematch in Welkom, Nonina won by majority decision. The Kroonstad-born Mokatsane won by stoppage in their first meeting in 2016.

Nonina is a highly decorated South African experienced fighter recognised for her technical prowess and world title success, primarily in the bantamweight and lightweight divisions. She held notable championship titles, including the WBF bantamweight title and the national title. She boasts a professional career record of 28 fights, 20 wins, six losses, and two draws.

Mokatsane’s professional record stands at 38 fights, 20 wins, 16 losses, and two draws. She is a high-volume fighter with a reputation for taking on top-tier national and international competition across multiple weight classes. Two notable international bouts were against the United Kingdom’s (UK) Katie Healy and Mariana “Barby” Juárez of Mexico. Mokatsane lost both contests – by unanimous decision in July 2022, and by a ninth-round technical knockout (TKO) in April 2024.

Mokatsane is a former national junior featherweight champion. She has also secured major regional and international belts, including the WBF international bantamweight title, the WBF intercontinental title, and the African Boxing Union (ABU) SADC featherweight title.

Mokatsane is a product of the legendary Kroonstad-based manager-cum trainer Spider Moeketsi, who groomed her to become a boxer of note.