ESNETH Domingo will attempt a rare feat that most Filipinos have failed—beating a South African fighter in his own backyard. Domingo will take on highly world-ranked Nhlanhla Tyirha on May 28, 2022 in South Africa.
“This is a huge challenge for me. I’ll do my best to knock him out, because for sure, if I won’t knock him out there’s a huge chance of a hometown decision,” Domingo told SunStar Cebu.
The 22-year-old Tyirha won back-to-back wins against Pinoy fighters. He beat Domingo’s sparring partner Esneth Domingo in 2021. He followed it up with another unanimous decision win against another Filipino, Jaysever Abcede, in a World Boxing Organization (WBO) Global light flyweight title. Tyirha was dropped by Abcede in the opening round but he still walked away with a lopsided unanimous decision.
Tyirha’s only career defeat is against South African star Nkosinathi Joyi, who beat him by unanimous decision in 2019.
Tyirha is currently rated No. 7 by the World Boxing Council (WBC) and No. 6 WBO in the light flyweight division.
Since suffering his first career defeat in the hands of Alphoe Dagayloan in 2019, the 23-year-old Domingo has won five straight contests. He beat the likes of Vietnamese prospect Minh Phat Sam, tough Roland Jay Biendima and once world ranked Jesse Espinas.
Domingo beat Espinas by unanimous decision last Feb. 26 in a very competitive fight in Gen. Santos City.
Domingo is 16-1 with eight knockouts, while Tyirha is 6-1 with two knockouts.