MFUSI Maxhayi was once again in the middle of pandemonium at Cathcart Hall at the weekend, but he did not attack security officers like he did at the venue in June last year.
On Saturday, Maxhayi was on the receiving end of a controversial outcome when his win over Unathi Gqokoma sparked ringside chaos.
Defending his WBF Intercontinental bantamweight crown, Maxhayi was soundly outboxed by the relentless Gqokoma – but the judges awarded him the decision, with Siya Vabaza and Simpiwe Mbini totally off the mark with 115-112 and 116-111 scorecards. It was Allen Matakane’s 114-114 which came close to reflecting the action in the ring.
Bar the knockdown in the fourth round, when Maxhayi appeared to land an illegal blow behind the head, Gqokoma was mostly in control of the proceedings as he took the fight to his Mdantsane opponent.
Maxhayi had sporadic attacks when he chose to fight instead of box and appeared to be having the upper hand.
After Gqokoma’s knockdown, Maxhayi staged a furious attack, seeking to end the fight – but his Duncan Village foe stood his ground and returned the fire with gusto.
The southpaw Maxhayi then switched to an orthodox stance, which seemed to confuse Gqokoma, who is himself famous for switching stances.
Maxhayi attacked in the first half of the round, only for Gqokoma to figure him out and stem the tide despite fighting with a swollen right eye.
Gqokoma, one of the most athletic boxers in the business, bent low at the waist to avoid most of Maxhayi’s blows before countering with his own crisp punches.
There were times when Maxhayi appeared to be indifferent during the fight as he continued to break from clinches with his hands on his waist.
The hyperactive Gqokoma seized the opportunity and landed a flurry of punches as referee Andile Matika ordered Maxhayi to fight on.
There were rounds when Gqokoma would thoroughly outclass Maxhayi, especially when fighting from an orthodox stance – which allowed his sneaky right hand to find the target repeatedly.
Despite being declared a loser, Gqokoma left the ring a hero as he was mobbed by the spectators, who appreciated his performance, arguably his best since turning professional.
Maxhayi was soundly booed, with some fans overheard slamming the outcome. “I should have just gone and had a drink than come here to watch this injustice,” a screaming fan was overheard saying.
WBF president Howard Goldberg was overhead remarking: “A draw would have been a fairer outcome.”
In another clash for the WBA Pan African featherweight crown, veteran Takalani Ndlovu was simply too strong for Lwandile Gugushe.
He taught him a boxing lesson before a short left hook dropped the Cape Town boxer in the fourth round. Ndlovu finished matters with his follow-up barrage to breathe life into his career.
The tournament, staged by Mamali Promotions in conjunction with Amathole District Municipality, was reduced to only four bouts due to budgetary constraints.
TheWBF junior lightweight title rematch between Mzonke Fana and Jasper Seroka was scrapped at the 11th hour.
The highly anticipated clash between Simpiwe Konkco and Nhlanhla Ngamntwini, as well as Tshifhiwa Munyai’s showdown with Siviwe Hasheni, were also cancelled.
Other results: Xolani Jongile TKO 2 Luvuyo Selani (4 rounds flyweight); Sinethemba Magibisela D 8 Vuyani Kheswa (junior flyweight).