The dispute over the SA mini-flyweight title deepened yesterday despite Mthatha contender Siphamandla Baleni scoring a win and thus boosting his chances of challenging for it.
Baleni, who was originally slated to contest for the title only for him to be disqualified on the basis of losing his last fight, easily scored a fourth round stoppage over Iviwe Mgema at Mdantsane Indoor Centre on Sunday.
Mgema was the last substitute after first opponent Lonwabo Roboshe and then Daluxolo Mangcotywa fell on the wayside when it emerged that the title would not be at stake.
The duo are now scheduled to contest for the title in a Xaba Promotions tournament next weekend.
However, by winning the fight, Baleni has also put himself in contention for the title.
In the latest development, ratings released by Boxing SA recently show the title as being vacant.
But Simpiwe Konkco, who is Baleni’s stablemate, has denied that he has relinquished the title ahead of his WBA-IBO mini-flyweight title challenge against Hekkie Budler in Gauteng on September 19.
Yesterday, Konkco sent a signed affidavit to BSA informing the regulatory body that he is still the champion.
The latest development is expected to further strain the relationship between the promoters of Baleni and Mangcotywa, Ayanda Matiti and Andile Sidinile.
Both promoters refused to comment about the latest fiasco with Matiti saying he was focusing his energy into making next week Friday’s tournament honouring the birthday celebrations of the late struggle icon Nelson Mandela the best event ever.
“Boxing is bigger than individuals so all I am doing right now is to ensure that the event to honour the greatest statesman goes ahead without glitches,” he said.
Sidinile said he was happy Baleni had shown that he is championship material with the manner in which he dominated Mgema.
“I am sure there is no question about Baleni’s status now and we as his promoters will make sure that his potential is developed,” he said.
Sunday’s tournament promoted by Sidinile’s Sijuta Promotions featured thrilling bouts including the Mthatha grudge match between rivals Siseko “Majayivana” Makeleni and Zama Zokwe in a junior-featherweight clash.
While both boxers have no roots in the boxing-mad Mdantsane township, their clash was roundly applauded as they swapped leather for five rounds until Zokwe floored Makeleni in the sixth and last round.
Makeleni managed to survive the knockdown but it cost him the fight as he lost a split decision in his first professional loss.
Other results: Nhlanhla Ngamntwini TKO 1 Mbulelo Nxazonke (6 rnds jnr-fly); Asiphe Tshili TKO 3 Nasiphi Mdlangazi (6 rnds jnr-feather); Xolisile Joyi TKO 1 Cecil Skritch (4 rnds fly); Athi Mahanjana TKO 2 Masixole Bazi (4 rnds jnr-middle); Konwaba Mbolekwa KO 1 Mongezi Maziko (4 rnds welter); Lwazi Mvane TKO 2 Aaron Bushby (4 rnds welter); Xolisa Vukubi won 4 Simbulele Petela (mini-fly)
Baleni gets timely title boost
The dispute over the SA mini-flyweight title deepened yesterday despite Mthatha contender Siphamandla Baleni scoring a win and thus boosting his chances of challenging for it.
Baleni, who was originally slated to contest for the title only for him to be disqualified on the basis of losing his last fight, easily scored a fourth round stoppage over Iviwe Mgema at Mdantsane Indoor Centre on Sunday.
Mgema was the last substitute after first opponent Lonwabo Roboshe and then Daluxolo Mangcotywa fell on the wayside when it emerged that the title would not be at stake.
The duo are now scheduled to contest for the title in a Xaba Promotions tournament next weekend.
However, by winning the fight, Baleni has also put himself in contention for the title.
In the latest development, ratings released by Boxing SA recently show the title as being vacant.
But Simpiwe Konkco, who is Baleni’s stablemate, has denied that he has relinquished the title ahead of his WBA-IBO mini-flyweight title challenge against Hekkie Budler in Gauteng on September 19.
Yesterday, Konkco sent a signed affidavit to BSA informing the regulatory body that he is still the champion.
The latest development is expected to further strain the relationship between the promoters of Baleni and Mangcotywa, Ayanda Matiti and Andile Sidinile.
Both promoters refused to comment about the latest fiasco with Matiti saying he was focusing his energy into making next week Friday’s tournament honouring the birthday celebrations of the late struggle icon Nelson Mandela the best event ever.
“Boxing is bigger than individuals so all I am doing right now is to ensure that the event to honour the greatest statesman goes ahead without glitches,” he said.
Sidinile said he was happy Baleni had shown that he is championship material with the manner in which he dominated Mgema.
“I am sure there is no question about Baleni’s status now and we as his promoters will make sure that his potential is developed,” he said.
Sunday’s tournament promoted by Sidinile’s Sijuta Promotions featured thrilling bouts including the Mthatha grudge match between rivals Siseko “Majayivana” Makeleni and Zama Zokwe in a junior-featherweight clash.
While both boxers have no roots in the boxing-mad Mdantsane township, their clash was roundly applauded as they swapped leather for five rounds until Zokwe floored Makeleni in the sixth and last round.
Makeleni managed to survive the knockdown but it cost him the fight as he lost a split decision in his first professional loss.
Other results: Nhlanhla Ngamntwini TKO 1 Mbulelo Nxazonke (6 rnds jnr-fly); Asiphe Tshili TKO 3 Nasiphi Mdlangazi (6 rnds jnr-feather); Xolisile Joyi TKO 1 Cecil Skritch (4 rnds fly); Athi Mahanjana TKO 2 Masixole Bazi (4 rnds jnr-middle); Konwaba Mbolekwa KO 1 Mongezi Maziko (4 rnds welter); Lwazi Mvane TKO 2 Aaron Bushby (4 rnds welter); Xolisa Vukubi won 4 Simbulele Petela (mini-fly)
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