Rarely does a bout featuring boxers from outside East London manage to inspire local fans to scream their voices out.
This is due to the fact that local boxing fans are the most knowledgeable in the land and they can easily detect a bum from a burner.
Last Sunday they were all on their feet cheering on the slugfest that played out between two Mthatha pugilists, Zama Zokwe and Siseko “Majiyvana” Makeleni. They were fighting in the junior-featherweight division in a clash that had everything a boxing fan could wish for – and more.
The favourite, Makeleni, got off to a good start using his superior ringcraft, although Zokwe was able to connect with some telling shots.
The pace of the bout picked up in the second round, when Makeleni began digging the body despite being the taller of the two.
Blasting away with gusto, Makeleni dared it all and showed incredible bravery as he mixed it and took some shots in return.
In the third round, he changed strategy and began to use his reach and superior skills to fight from distance.
But Zokwe was able to cut the ring and land some bombs which bloodied his foe’s nose.
The rivalry between the pair of boxers demonstrated by their decision to request the fight, turned the bout into an all-action affair.
As Makeleni began to gas out, Zokwe finally struck the home run, putting his opponent on the canvas.
Although Makeleni beat the count, his legs were gone and only survived the round through a combination of factors, such as his impeccable ring IQ – as well as lenience from referee, Alan Matakane, who gave him every benefit of the doubt, despite being wobbled on a number of occasions.
The knockdown proved to be the difference, as one judge had Makeleni ahead by 58-56 while the two voted for Zokwe 59-56 and 57-56. This means that had Zokwe not dropped Makeleni, Ma jayivana would have kept his unbeaten record.
However Boxing Mecca felt Zokwe, who was fighting for the fifth time, deserved the nod.
Now with four wins and one controversial draw, the 20-year-old Zokwe wins the coveted Boxing Mecca boxer of the week.
Zokwe thriller brings roof down
This is due to the fact that local boxing fans are the most knowledgeable in the land and they can easily detect a bum from a burner.
Last Sunday they were all on their feet cheering on the slugfest that played out between two Mthatha pugilists, Zama Zokwe and Siseko “Majiyvana” Makeleni. They were fighting in the junior-featherweight division in a clash that had everything a boxing fan could wish for – and more.
The favourite, Makeleni, got off to a good start using his superior ringcraft, although Zokwe was able to connect with some telling shots.
The pace of the bout picked up in the second round, when Makeleni began digging the body despite being the taller of the two.
Blasting away with gusto, Makeleni dared it all and showed incredible bravery as he mixed it and took some shots in return.
In the third round, he changed strategy and began to use his reach and superior skills to fight from distance.
But Zokwe was able to cut the ring and land some bombs which bloodied his foe’s nose.
The rivalry between the pair of boxers demonstrated by their decision to request the fight, turned the bout into an all-action affair.
As Makeleni began to gas out, Zokwe finally struck the home run, putting his opponent on the canvas.
Although Makeleni beat the count, his legs were gone and only survived the round through a combination of factors, such as his impeccable ring IQ – as well as lenience from referee, Alan Matakane, who gave him every benefit of the doubt, despite being wobbled on a number of occasions.
The knockdown proved to be the difference, as one judge had Makeleni ahead by 58-56 while the two voted for Zokwe 59-56 and 57-56. This means that had Zokwe not dropped Makeleni, Ma jayivana would have kept his unbeaten record.
However Boxing Mecca felt Zokwe, who was fighting for the fifth time, deserved the nod.
Now with four wins and one controversial draw, the 20-year-old Zokwe wins the coveted Boxing Mecca boxer of the week.
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