WHAT would have been one of the great boxing events was spoiled by uncertainty created by Boxing SA’s cancellation of the tournament meant to celebrate Women’s Month at Bhisho Stadium on Saturday.
But the last minute court victory by promoter Luvuyo Mngxaso allowed the show to go on and ensured that the spectators that filled the stadium were entertained.
Mixing music performances and boxing, the tournament jointly staged with Tru Fm drew a sizable crowd, mostly youth, who braved the chilly weather to dance the afternoon away before cheering their lungs out for the bouts.
“I am quite happy with the turn out although one could see that this would have been a great event had BSA not spoiled it with the uncertainty they created,” said Mngxaso.
The action in the ring erected at the centre of the stadium did not disappoint either with all the five bouts on offer producing plenty of action.
The highly anticipated clash between Mdantsane’s Sikhulule Sidzumo and Nkululeko Mhlongo for the SA and WBF Intercontinental junior middleweight titles was the best bout of the afternoon.
Chasing for a third national title, Sidzumo started well, using his trademark bobbing and weaving style to score with stiff jabs while Mhlongo bid his time as he obviously studied the style of his challenger. In the second round Mhlongo began to take control of the proceedings as he let his hands go.
Sidzumo fought bravely despite being on the receiving end of most of Mhlongo’s attacks.
While he had more success when he worked the body, Sidzumo opted to stay on the ropes where Mhlongo easily picked him apart with stinging shots.
This strategy did not only reduce him into counter attacking but it minimised his offence. With his fans, including his heavily pregnant girlfriend, screaming their lungs out for him to stay away from the ropes, Sidzumo continued to allow Mhlongo to come at him and paid the price as the Soweto champion broke him down with patient yet potent attacks until a barrage of punches slumped the Mdantsane boxer on the ropes for the full count in the eighth round.
The rematch between Julie Tshabalala and Rita Mrwebi for the SA female welterweight crown that served as the main bout again produced a debatable outcome when it was scored a draw.
This even though Mrwebi appeared to have taken the belt this time, capping an unfortunate spell for the Mthatha-born boxer who was also on the receiving end of a controversial points defeat by Nwabisa Mbopha for the SA middleweight title in East London two months ago.
Like she did against Mbopha, Mrwebi, whose boxing moves are a marvel to watch, swept the last rounds only for one judge to ignore her efforts and score the fight in favour of Tshabalala by 97-94 margin.
The second judge had Mrwebi winning by 96-94 while the third had the fight even at 95-95.
Other results: Bongani Mlotshwa KO 10 Johannes Petersein (WBF Africa middleweight crown); Morné Botha D 4 Asino Joseph (featherweight); Lubabalo Faku TKO 4 Wandi Mbende (flyweight).
BSA’s action spoils tournament
But the last minute court victory by promoter Luvuyo Mngxaso allowed the show to go on and ensured that the spectators that filled the stadium were entertained.
Mixing music performances and boxing, the tournament jointly staged with Tru Fm drew a sizable crowd, mostly youth, who braved the chilly weather to dance the afternoon away before cheering their lungs out for the bouts.
“I am quite happy with the turn out although one could see that this would have been a great event had BSA not spoiled it with the uncertainty they created,” said Mngxaso.
The action in the ring erected at the centre of the stadium did not disappoint either with all the five bouts on offer producing plenty of action.
The highly anticipated clash between Mdantsane’s Sikhulule Sidzumo and Nkululeko Mhlongo for the SA and WBF Intercontinental junior middleweight titles was the best bout of the afternoon.
Chasing for a third national title, Sidzumo started well, using his trademark bobbing and weaving style to score with stiff jabs while Mhlongo bid his time as he obviously studied the style of his challenger. In the second round Mhlongo began to take control of the proceedings as he let his hands go.
Sidzumo fought bravely despite being on the receiving end of most of Mhlongo’s attacks.
While he had more success when he worked the body, Sidzumo opted to stay on the ropes where Mhlongo easily picked him apart with stinging shots.
This strategy did not only reduce him into counter attacking but it minimised his offence. With his fans, including his heavily pregnant girlfriend, screaming their lungs out for him to stay away from the ropes, Sidzumo continued to allow Mhlongo to come at him and paid the price as the Soweto champion broke him down with patient yet potent attacks until a barrage of punches slumped the Mdantsane boxer on the ropes for the full count in the eighth round.
The rematch between Julie Tshabalala and Rita Mrwebi for the SA female welterweight crown that served as the main bout again produced a debatable outcome when it was scored a draw.
This even though Mrwebi appeared to have taken the belt this time, capping an unfortunate spell for the Mthatha-born boxer who was also on the receiving end of a controversial points defeat by Nwabisa Mbopha for the SA middleweight title in East London two months ago.
Like she did against Mbopha, Mrwebi, whose boxing moves are a marvel to watch, swept the last rounds only for one judge to ignore her efforts and score the fight in favour of Tshabalala by 97-94 margin.
The second judge had Mrwebi winning by 96-94 while the third had the fight even at 95-95.
Other results: Bongani Mlotshwa KO 10 Johannes Petersein (WBF Africa middleweight crown); Morné Botha D 4 Asino Joseph (featherweight); Lubabalo Faku TKO 4 Wandi Mbende (flyweight).
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