Bandla ends Magusha title reign

Xolisa Magusha’s perilous title reign finally came to an end when he was dethroned by Sibusiso Bandla, who claimed the SA mini-flyweight crown at ICC in East London on Saturday night.

Judges were unanimous with two of them turning in 115-113 identical scores while the third one was again off the mark with 117-111.

Magusha suffered a bad knockdown in the second round when he was dumped on the ropes by a counter left hook while on the attack.

He however bravely fought back although he was still dizzy.

Having tested each other’s power, the boxers turned the fight into a chess match that favoured the fleet-fisted challenger.

When realising that he was coming second best in boxing, Magusha changed gears and opted for aggression.

But the difference was that Bandla was able to punch on a fly while Magusha first needed to plant his feet before throwing punches.

Going to the championship rounds the fight was still up in the air.

But again Bandla swept the rounds with his fleet movement and punching on the fly to become the new champion.