Feldman suffered an injured finger in his last fight, an impressive second round stoppage of Sibusiso Muteleni on March 8. When he next enters the ring, the 3-0 Cape Town native will be away from the ring for four months and five days, the longest layoff of his career. In an era when many boxers have complained about not getting fights, Feldman has been fortunate to stay so active early in his career.
Josh typically starts his camp in Cape Town at the Blood, Sweat, and Tears Gym before relocating to the Hot Box Gym in Jo'burg closer to the fight. One of his training partners is Doron Zinman. A skilled southpaw, Feldman has a smart jab and puts his combinations together well. In his first three fights, he's tried to blast his opponents out of the ring rather than build towards the stoppage.
Mayamba, a 30 year old who sometimes goes by Eric, was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has had three pro fights in South Africa. He lost all three, but he signifies Feldman's most experienced opponent yet. Muteleni had one loss before he fought Feldman. Josh's two other opponents were debutants, but they were both tougher challenges. Potego Ntsoane exhibited an awkward style while Mbulelo Aluhavi was a quality foe.
As for Mayamba, his hands drop low during his fights as he occasionally dances and throws powerful body shots and uppercuts from that position, but his head shots are too wide and he leaves himself open over the top.
In his debut, he fought as a junior welterweight against Talent Baloyi and took the undefeated prospect the distance back in 2022. Baloyi was able to exploit Mayamba's low guard, but the Congolese fighter showed a good chin. Three months later, Mayamba was a middleweight against Nelson Mbhele. Mayamba won the first round and half with uppercuts and body work as Mbhele ran around the perimeter. Halfway through the second, Mbhele held his ground and gave Mayamba a serious beating to the head the rest of the way. Mayamba showed admirable courage and punch resistance to go the full four rounds.
Mayamba next fought four months later against Jonas Senga at just above the junior middleweight limit. Senga mostly avoided Mayamba's lead uppercuts and quickly realized straight shots upstairs were open. The fight was waved off in the third after Mayamba took another beating, but he was still standing and ready to fight back at the time of the stoppage.
Feldman will need to be careful of Cartouche's powerful uppercuts, hard body shots, and wild looping punches to the head. Mayamba has a great chin, so Feldman should box early, invest a bit to the body, and only load up after Mayamba fades. The number of rounds will be updated when announced.
Update: Mayamba pulled out. He has been replaced by Welcome Malumbu.
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