Mthatha boxer Athenkosi Dumezweni has promised to dominate from the first round of the scheduled 12 when he fights for the vacant junior-bantamweight title against Gauteng's Cleitos Mbele at the Orient Threatre in East London tomorrow.
“Moving Target” or “Imoto Entshontsha Imali” as Dumezweni, 26, is affectionately known, has promised to outclass and outbox his opponent.
With eight fights, seven wins, of which six are by knockout, and one loss, Dumezweni is the second-ranked boxer in the junior-bantamweight division while Mbele is ranked at nine in the bantamweight division.
“Moving Target” said he was more than ready and immediately fixed his eyes on the SA Championship title.
He said if Mbele refused to go down, he will punish him throughout the scheduled 12 rounds.
“He might put up a fight in the first two rounds, but from the third I will be all over him. And if we go through the 12 rounds, he will be punished.
“I am more than ready. This is my title. It is already in the bag and I want the SA title now because my fans have been calling for me to be included in it,” he said.
He urged fight fans to come out in their numbers to witness the “art of boxing”. Perhaps what makes him more confident is the fact that East London is his happy hunting ground.
Khulani Boxing Club trainer and coach Mthethunzima Dumezweni, who has recently said the Ngangelizwe township-based club wanted to train world-class boxers, told the Dispatch yesterday that tomorrow's fight was a step towards achieving that goal.
He described “Moving Target”, who is also his nephew as a good boxer who did not just rely on power.
Dumezweni said his boxer was more than ready for the fight as it was initially scheduled for May 1 before pushed back to May 29 and now to tomorrow.
“We are very confident that he will win the title because he is a very good boxer. This fight will help to highlight the talent that we have in Mthatha because most people only talk about Konkco.
“There is so much great talent in Mthatha and that will be on display on Friday,” he said.
Meanwhile, another Mthatha boxer, Bangile Nyangani, 21, will face Xolani Zindlo in a mini-flyweight six-round bout. It will be Nyangani's first fight.
On Nyangani, coach Dumezweni said: “He is hoping to start his boxing career on a winning note.”
The main attraction at the Orient Threatre will be the IBO international featherweight title fight between Macbute Sinyabi and Francis Miyeyusho. There will also be three other title fights on the night with the first fight scheduled to start at 6.30pm.
Today there will be a weigh-in in Mdantsane. The fights have been organised by Zbashy Promotions and Events and Amangubo Boxing Events. Tickets are R120 at Computicket while at the door they are R150. — ndamasem@disptach.co.za
War talk to add fuel to title battle
“Moving Target” or “Imoto Entshontsha Imali” as Dumezweni, 26, is affectionately known, has promised to outclass and outbox his opponent.
With eight fights, seven wins, of which six are by knockout, and one loss, Dumezweni is the second-ranked boxer in the junior-bantamweight division while Mbele is ranked at nine in the bantamweight division.
“Moving Target” said he was more than ready and immediately fixed his eyes on the SA Championship title.
He said if Mbele refused to go down, he will punish him throughout the scheduled 12 rounds.
“He might put up a fight in the first two rounds, but from the third I will be all over him. And if we go through the 12 rounds, he will be punished.
“I am more than ready. This is my title. It is already in the bag and I want the SA title now because my fans have been calling for me to be included in it,” he said.
He urged fight fans to come out in their numbers to witness the “art of boxing”. Perhaps what makes him more confident is the fact that East London is his happy hunting ground.
Khulani Boxing Club trainer and coach Mthethunzima Dumezweni, who has recently said the Ngangelizwe township-based club wanted to train world-class boxers, told the Dispatch yesterday that tomorrow's fight was a step towards achieving that goal.
He described “Moving Target”, who is also his nephew as a good boxer who did not just rely on power.
Dumezweni said his boxer was more than ready for the fight as it was initially scheduled for May 1 before pushed back to May 29 and now to tomorrow.
“We are very confident that he will win the title because he is a very good boxer. This fight will help to highlight the talent that we have in Mthatha because most people only talk about Konkco.
“There is so much great talent in Mthatha and that will be on display on Friday,” he said.
Meanwhile, another Mthatha boxer, Bangile Nyangani, 21, will face Xolani Zindlo in a mini-flyweight six-round bout. It will be Nyangani's first fight.
On Nyangani, coach Dumezweni said: “He is hoping to start his boxing career on a winning note.”
The main attraction at the Orient Threatre will be the IBO international featherweight title fight between Macbute Sinyabi and Francis Miyeyusho. There will also be three other title fights on the night with the first fight scheduled to start at 6.30pm.
Today there will be a weigh-in in Mdantsane. The fights have been organised by Zbashy Promotions and Events and Amangubo Boxing Events. Tickets are R120 at Computicket while at the door they are R150. — ndamasem@disptach.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos