The journey of thousand kilometres begins with one step, warned underrated trainer Madoda “One More Time” Dyonase in reaction to his charge – Siphamandla “Toyi Toyi” Baleni’s success in capturing the lesser recognised WBA Pan African title.
The Mthatha-based trainer is also responsible for the successful boxing career of WBA Pan African and IBO Inter-Continental minimum weight holder Simphiwe “Chain Reaction” Khonkco. Baleni, 23, won the title which eluded him against Duncan Village-based Siyabonga Siyo in December.
Baleni outpointed Cape Town-based Duncan Village boxer Luyanda Nkwankwa in their closely contested 12-rounder at the Wild Coast Sun Casino in Port Edward on Friday night. Baleni defeated Nkwankwa, who gave Khonkco a torrid time in their 12- rounder for the SA minimum weight title, which Khonco just shaded in 2013. To this day, some fans still maintain that Khonco won that bout simply because it took place in his backyard.
“I believe that before you can learn to walk, you must first crawl,” said Dyonase. “Winning the WBA Pan African title will not only motivate Baleni but it will make him grow as a fighter.”
The fight was close. Two judges scored it 115-114 while their colleague declared it a draw at 114-114.
“I am very happy to win the title and I plan to keep it for a long time,” said Baleni.
In the main bout diminutive yet explosive former SA flyweight and IBO Inter-Continental junior flyweight champion Luzuko Siyo blasted 41-year-old Reginaldo Carvalho from Brazil in the first round.
Fans on Friday were treated to a spectacular yet very short bout between Phila Mpontshane and Lulamile Booi.
Booi conceded the bout in the third round.
Nhlanhla “24” Ngamntwini repeated what he did to Khanyakude Mukansi in 2013, outpointing him over 10 rounds in the junior flyweight bout. Jayden Mathew drew with Congolese Modimba Muanza Donna over six rounds. Rushda Mallick outpointed Sthandiwe Ngcobo over four rounds in the female section.
Trainer believes Baleni is destined for greatness
The Mthatha-based trainer is also responsible for the successful boxing career of WBA Pan African and IBO Inter-Continental minimum weight holder Simphiwe “Chain Reaction” Khonkco. Baleni, 23, won the title which eluded him against Duncan Village-based Siyabonga Siyo in December.
Baleni outpointed Cape Town-based Duncan Village boxer Luyanda Nkwankwa in their closely contested 12-rounder at the Wild Coast Sun Casino in Port Edward on Friday night. Baleni defeated Nkwankwa, who gave Khonkco a torrid time in their 12- rounder for the SA minimum weight title, which Khonco just shaded in 2013. To this day, some fans still maintain that Khonco won that bout simply because it took place in his backyard.
“I believe that before you can learn to walk, you must first crawl,” said Dyonase. “Winning the WBA Pan African title will not only motivate Baleni but it will make him grow as a fighter.”
The fight was close. Two judges scored it 115-114 while their colleague declared it a draw at 114-114.
“I am very happy to win the title and I plan to keep it for a long time,” said Baleni.
In the main bout diminutive yet explosive former SA flyweight and IBO Inter-Continental junior flyweight champion Luzuko Siyo blasted 41-year-old Reginaldo Carvalho from Brazil in the first round.
Fans on Friday were treated to a spectacular yet very short bout between Phila Mpontshane and Lulamile Booi.
Booi conceded the bout in the third round.
Nhlanhla “24” Ngamntwini repeated what he did to Khanyakude Mukansi in 2013, outpointing him over 10 rounds in the junior flyweight bout. Jayden Mathew drew with Congolese Modimba Muanza Donna over six rounds. Rushda Mallick outpointed Sthandiwe Ngcobo over four rounds in the female section.
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