This and That

Nkosinathi Joyi won't be stripped.

Ubeaten world's best Strawweight and South Africa's top pound-for-pound fighter Nkosinathi Joyi was granted an extension by the IBF for his mandatory defense against Japanese challenger Katsunari Takayama when sponsorship arrangements fell through suddenly. It was mandated that a rematch take place by the end of November after their first encounter ended in a no-contest due to an accidental clash of heads in the third round.

Antonio Kicanga's UBC Light Heavyweight title defense scheduled for November 11th in Luanda has been pushed back to December 12th, it was reported by Angola Press. Commonwealth Super Flyweight champion Yaqub Kareem may get to defend his newly acquired belt in England before the end of the year providing prospective opponent Paul Butler gets by a warm-up bout scheduled for this month. The Nigerian, who switched base to Ghana early this year, won the vacant belt in August with a dominant showing over big punching Cobbina Johnson.

WBC Super Lightweight manadatory challenger Ajose Olusegun of Nigeria waits impatiently for his title shot at Mexican legend Erik Morales after winning his September eliminator in impressive fashion against French-Algerian Ali Chebah in his US debut. But, it is likely Morales will make a voluntary defense and then look for bigger fish rather than risk a low paying, dangerous fight against the relatively unknown Olusegun. in which case, look for the undefeated Nigerian to contest for the vacant belt sometime next year.

Joseph Kwadjo vies for WBF Super Middle belt.

Fiji-based Ghanaian Super Middleweight Joseph Kwadjo missed his flight back to Nadi from training camp in Australia but had plenty of time to catch another flight a week later for a scheduled interim WBF Super Middleweight title match on November 26th against former victim Zulfikar Joy Ali of Fiji. The Ghanaian, who left home at the end of 2008, racked up eight straight wins on the Australasian circuit culminating in a high profile 2010 victory over then world rated contender Jamie Pittman of Australia. But, Kwadjo subsequently lost his next two outings to unbeaten Australia-based Cameroonian Serge Yannick and Australian Light Heavy Blake Caparello.

Port Elizabeth Hosts National Title

Rare Treat for PE Boxing Fans

SA champion Tshepo Lefele

Boxing fans in Port Elizabeth have a rare opportunity to watch a national title bout this weekend. Tshepo Lefele makes the third defence of his SA Minimumweight title when he meets Siviwe Ntsiko at the Raymond Mhlaba Sports Centre in Motherwell on Saturday afternoon.

Lefele, whose professional record stands at 16-5, with 10 stoppage wins, has been the champion since September 2008. He won the title when he stopped Gideon Buthelezi in the sixth round. Now 31 years old, Lefele has made successful defences against... (click here for full SuperSport article)

Europe Action

New WBF Intercontinental champion Ben Nsafoah

Germany-based Ghanaian Cruiserweight, Ben Nsafoah did himself proud annexing the vacant WBF Intercontinental belt handing previously unbeaten Bjoern Blaschke his first loss in nine outings in Tuebingen, Germany two weeks ago. The win boosts Nsafoah to 14-5-2. Not so lucky was globe-trotting, US-based Malian, Cisse Salif, whose crack at the vacant WBA International Heavyweight title was thwarted by hometown refereeing in Bayern. After dropping German-based Bosnian Alexander Petkovic twice in the fourth, Salif followed up with two more knockdowns in the fifth but was inexplicably deducted points for low blows instead. The talented Malian journeyman continued the assault in the sixth dropping his man yet again, but a further legitimate body shot knockdown gave the ref an opportunity to come to the house fighter's rescue and declare Petkovic the winner by DQ from an anonymous low blow. Salif, always fighting as a last minute sub, drops to 24-18-2 while the lucky Petkovic, who just happened to be co-promoting the show, sees his stats improve to 41-4-4.

ABU champion Doudou Ngumbu

A bit of recent action in France saw former WBC International belt holder Doudou Ngumbu score a six round unanimous decision over Frenchman Adel Belhachemi last Friday in Cahors. Ngumbu, the current ABU Light Heavyweight champion advances to 27-3 while the durable Belhachemi drops to 5-7-1. On the same night in Gravelines, fellow Congolese Cruiserweight prospect Kayembre Kalenga also emerged victorious with a six round points victory over experienced Lithuanian journeyman Remigijus Ziausys (19-43-3) to remain unbeaten in eight matches.

British-based South African loser Bheki Moyo made it thirty-five straight, without a win, as UK's Phil Gill improved to 11-0-2 after four rounds of Super Welterweight action. This was Moyo's fifteenth fight in 2011 and he has amazingly failed to go the distance only once in his illustrious career. Nigerian-born Brit Ideh Ockuko dropped to 3 wins and 3 losses in Glasgow, Scotland when an accidental head butt in the seventh opened a cut on Scottish opponent Eddie Doyle causing the scheduled eight round Super Lightweight bout to go prematurely to the scorecards. Doyle advances to 8-0 with the Technical Decision win. Over in Spain, Burkinabe Welterweight Frederick Ayenebou lost his unbeaten mark in his third match by majority decision to Spaniard Antonio Redondo who improves to 3-4-1.

Duran Camp Questions Decision

US-based Ghanaian Osumanu Yahaya, aka Ossie Duran, receives short end of stick again.

This past Friday night, Middleweight Ossie Duran took on undefeated Brandon Gonzalez in the nationally televised main event on Sho Box: The New Generation. It was a good fight with both combatants fighting hard Gonzales taking a split decision. Duran’s promoter, Gulfstream Promotions, has now decided to ask the New Jersey Boxing Commission to take a look... (click here for full fightnews.com article)

Mojeed Okedara New UBC Champion

Boxer Mojeed Okedara of Osun State has won the vacant Universal Boxing Council title at the expense of his opponent Eric Kwardey of Ghana in a twelve-round bout at LTVS, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos. 

Rugged and experienced boxer Okedara emerged victorious via a knock out in the fifth round from the twelve rounds bout.

The Ghanaian dictated the pace in the first round with accurate straight jabs and effective blocking, but the second round was a departure from the first when Okedara turned the tables against Kwandy with a combination of straight jabs and heavy upper cuts that received thunderous applause from the spectators.

The taller and bigger Ghanaian succumbed to the superior fireworks of champion Okedara when he was knocked down in the second round. The third and fourth rounds were equally action-packed and exciting with both boxers exhibiting skills and tactics to the admiration of spectators.

To save Kwandy from further knocks, his coach threw in the towel in the fifth round and Okedara was declared the winner and this sent the Osun State Commissioner for Sports, Youths and Special Needs, Barrister Stephen Kola Balogun, who represented governor Rauf Aregbesola, Special Adviser to the state governor on Sports, Youth and Special Needs, Biyi Odunlade, the permanent secretary for the ministry, Olayinka Oderinde (Mrs.), Osun State Sports Council officials, representatives of the chairman, Irewole Local Government and representatives of Akire of Ikire Oba Olatunde Falabi into wide jubilation.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the victory of Okedara, Barrister Balogun assured the people of the state that sports would witness an all-round development during the time of Mr. Aregbesola. 

On the preparation of Osun State athletes for the 18th National Sports Festival tagged Lagos 2012, he revealed that preparations had commenced in earnest.

Balogun further stated that the creation of a sports ministry by governor Aregbesola was a show of his determination to move sports forward in the state. (article from The Nation Online)

Larbi-Selom For WBO Inter-Continental Title

November-18-2011 - Algiers, Algeria - Salle Harcha

12 rds Salim Larbi, France vs Isaac Tordjro Selom, Ghana (WBO Inter-Continental)
8 rds Nadjib Mohammedi, France vs Ayitey Powers, Ghana

Ndlovu Outpoints Caro On The Road

Takalani Ndlovu endured a bumpy road on route to the first defense of his Super Bantamweight belt as he outpointed Giovanni Caro in their 12 round main event Saturday evening in Colima, Mexico... (full report at boxingscene.com)

Anges Adjaho Faces Ronald Cruz Nov 19

US based Beninois Anges Adjaho

Atlantic City, NJ—Undefeated welterweight Ronald Cruz, of Bethlehem, PA, takes on steel-chinned Anges Adjaho, of Buffalo, NY, in a scheduled eight-round contest on Saturday evening, Nov. 19, at Bally’s Atlantic City.

The Cruz-Adjaho match will serve as the semifinal to the 12-round main event which features Garrett Wilson, of Philadelphia, PA, making the first defense of his United States Boxing Association (USBA) cruiserweight title against Chuck Mussachio, of Wildwood, NJ.

The 25-year-old Cruz is coming off an impressive fifth-round knockout over Chris Fernandez, of Salt Lake City, UT, on Sept. 9 at the Asylum Arena in Philadelphia, PA. Cruz was scheduled to box Adjaho that evening, but... (click here to continue at BoxingNews24.com)

Boxing Legend Tar Baby Laid to Rest

A SOMBRE atmosphere engulfed Mabvuku cemetery yesterday when scores of people braved the searing heat to bury one of Zimbabwe's legendary boxers, Jao Mohammed Afonso, who died on Friday.

A former Rhodesian light-heavyweight and then heavyweight champion, Jao Afonso, whose name in the square ring was Beira Tar Baby, died after a battle with prostrate cancer, according to members of his family. Born on August 1, 1933, Tar Baby was a household name in boxing as he had an illustrious career of 49 recorded professional fights spanning from 1959 to 1963.

One of the celebrated pugilist's sons, Misheck Mutemaringa, said his father succumbed to illness at his home along Mushongandebvu Drive in Harare's high-density suburb of Mbare. (click here for full article at The Herald Online)

Shihepo, Boxing’s Lionhearted Major Force

WINDHOEK – The mere uttering of the word Wilberforce "Force" Shihepo is enough to send shivers running riot in the bellies of potential opponents.

At 27, Force is determined to unlock his unlimited potential and nothing will stand in the way of the strongly built Namibian when the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Africa Super Middleweight champion squares up against Johannes Pieterson in a non-title eight rounder.

The bout will be the main under card for the much-anticipated Paulus Ambunda/Bongani Mahlangu WBO Africa Bantamweight title fight at the Windhoek Country Club on November 4.

With time not on his side anymore, the flamboyant Shihepo is taking no prisoners and... (click here for full story at NewEra.com)

Mthalane Defends IBF Title

Mthalane with trainer Nick Durandt

28-Oct-2011 Cagliari, Italy - An aggressive, relentless Moruthi Mthalane retained his IBF flyweight title on a TKO decision after Andrea Sarritzu's handlers threw in the towel in the seventh round of an increasingly one-sided bout in Cagliari, Italy on Friday night. 

In the process, Mthalane became the first South African boxer in almost a decade to defend a version of one of the world titles on three successive occasions after beating Mexico's Julio Cesar Miranda for the IBF crown in 2009 and warding off challenges from Zolani Tete and Johnriel Casimero with fifth-round stoppages.

“Moruti sized up his cagey opponent in the... (click here for full article at IOL Sport)

Kabore Brothers Win, Lose ABU Double Bill

14-Oct-2011 Ouaga Dougou - The Palais des Sports, in Burkina Faso, played host to a double African Boxing Union title bill which saw the Burkinabe brothers, Alexis and Boniface Kabore, have mixed results in their attempts at grabbing vacant Continental honors against high quality imported opposition.

Super Bantamweight Alexis Boureima Kabore, recently relieved of his WBA Pan-African belt for not defending, got right back into the title picture with a slow paced, but entertaining twelve round decision over Uganda's experienced Sande Kizito claiming the vacant ABU belt in a close fight.

The Ugandan Olympian, who started his career battling current world champion Vic Darchinyan three times while based in Australia, picked up the pace in the late rounds but Kabore was equal to the task in managing to stay unbeaten in sixteen outings. Kizito returns home with a 12-9-1 tab.

Light Heavyweight brother Boniface Kabore got off to an excellent start in his twelve rounder decking unbeaten Egyptian champion Hany Atiyo twice, but a cut on the eyebrow brought a premature stoppage forcing an unfortunate TKO ending in favor of the visitor who collects his eleventh straight win. For Kabore, also a former holder of the WBA Pan-African belt, the dominant showing should be grounds for a rematch to allow him to avenge this defeat, only the second of his career in fifteen paid matches.

In a Super Welterweight matchup, unbeaten strongman Patrice Sou-Toke kept his Ouaga fans happy with a victory over Nigeria's Opaldinan Alamu for his fourteenth straight win.

Angolan Set To Defend World Belt In Luanda

Portugal based Angolan, Antonio Pedro Quiganga, aka Tony Kikanga, is in talks in Luanda to set up a title defense of his UBC Light Heavyweight championship he won in Portugal in June of this year. Kikanga, in a press conference in the country's capitol, stated that they are in talks with Canadian and Romanian opponents at the moment. The match is scheduled to take place on November 11th at the Cidadella Sports Complex to coincide with Angola's Independence day celebrations.

Remembering That Historic African Night

Muhammad Ali slips a pawing right from a tiring George Foreman.

Muhammad Ali’s epic clash with George Foreman in ‘The Rumble in the Jungle’ was one of the most definitive contests ever seen.

On October 30 1974 one of the most epic events in the history of sports took place in Kinshasa, Zaire — now Democratic Republic of Congo — when Muhammad Ali and George Foreman met in the ring for a fight since and forever immortalised as The Rumble in the Jungle. It was a fight that saw an ageing 32-year-old Ali risk not only his legacy but his health against the human wrecking machine that was a 25-year-old George Foreman in his prime.

Foreman was the undefeated reigning heavyweight champion and prior to meeting Ali had destroyed both Ken Norton and Joe Frazier inside two rounds, each of whom had already defeated Ali. Standing 6’3” tall and weighing in at a lean 220lbs he brought to the ring punching power that was considered... (click here to continue)

Ali Funeka Back In Action

Funeka vs Marali added to big Jo'burg fightcard

19-Nov-2011 - Monte Casino, Johannesburg
Frans Botha vs Michael Grant (vac WBF Heavy title)
Ali Funeka vs Zolani Marali (vac WBF Super Light title)
Malcolm Klaasen vs Daniel Lomeli (vac WBF Super Feather title)
Ilunga Makabu vs Pedro Otas (vac WBF Cruiser title)
Lubabalo Msuthu vs Dennis Tubieron (vac WBF Bantam title)
Mthobisi Buthelezi vs Gerald Nekhubvi (vac All-Africa Welter title)

WBO Convention Africa Report

WBO Africa Chairman Andrew Smale made his report at the ongoing WBO convention currently being held in Puerto Rico on the tremendous progress being made by that organization but bemoaned the problem of verifiable fighters' records coming out of the continent.

As reported in Fightnews.com:

Following Mr. Panoncillo’s report, Vice President Andrew Smale gave his report on WBO boxing. Once again Mr. Smale showed why he is quickly establishing himself as one of the WBO’s most valuable commodities, with further grown in the continent and what is looking very close to absolute WBO dominance of the boxing scene in Africa. Smale was proud to announce eighteen title fights in 2010. And so far in 2011, he has presided over seventeen with five future dates confirmed. It is rapidly expanding each year, and despite the difficulties promoters in Africa face, the WBO’s commitment to boxing in Africa is clearly paying huge dividends. Smale also commented in the increasing strength of boxing in Ghana, and the impressive nature of the numbers when compared with some of the rival organizations. The ABU (associated with the WBC) had only one fight in 2011, as did the WBC Intercontinental. The IBF Africa Championship has yet to do a fight in 2011. Smale closed by announcing that the WBO collected $21,400 in Africa so far this year, and he is optimistic that at least two African regional champions may get title fights in the coming year.

For the full Fightnews report, (click here).

South African Champ Hit By Drugs Ban

Matima Molefe KO's Simphiwe Tom

SA featherweight champion Matima Molefe has been banned for two years after testing positive for anabolic steroids.This was announced on Tuesday by the SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport.

Illegal substances were found in Molefe's urine sample, which was taken by the institute's officials on May 29 this year, after a title fight in East London.Molefe stopped Simphiwe Tom in the second round to win the vacant SA title. The fight at the Orient Theatre ended 1 minute 40 seconds into the round. The new champion improved his record to 11-1, with 8 knockouts.

Khalid Galant, CEO of the Institute, said Molefe had tested positive for metabolites of the anabolic agent Nandrolone.Statistics show anabolic steroid use among boxers is becoming... (click here for full article at SuperSport.com)

Nkabiti Struggles To Secure Title Fight

Botswana Lightweight Herbert Nkabiti

Botswana's professional boxer, Herbert Nkabiti is still to get a title bout despite his impressive run since turning pro and moving to South Africa. 

'The Raging Bull' registered another technical knockout (TKO), outsmarting Free State boxer, Carlos Mbimi in the first round of a six-rounder on Saturday. This was Nkabiti's sixth straight win since turning professional, but the Kanye born boxer is still to get a title fight. His manager, Larona Francis told Mmegi Sport that they were still in negotiations with some promoters in South Africa with the hope of landing the boxer a title fight in the near future.

"The major problem is that we do not have a professional body in our country which would help in securing such fights. The other thing is that... (click here for full article at Mmegi Online)

Ambunda Moves Closer To World Title

Paulus Ambunda with WBO Africa chairman Andrew Smale

WINDHOEK – While Africa is blessed with a significant number of highly talented boxers – the continent is poorly represented in some of the high-profile global titles.

It’s a well-documented secret that a good chunk of African boxers are holed up in the less prestigious World Boxing Federation (WBF) and several other low-profile boxing umbrella bodies, but Namibian boxers have their eyes firmly fixed on the real McCoy.

Namibia’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) undisputed Africa bantamweight champion Paulus “The Rock” Ambunda, is one step away from a crack at... (click here to continue to New Era article)

Akaba Grabs Interim Title

15-Oct-2011 Accra, Ghana - After lacklustre showings in local rings all year, former WBC International Featherweight champ Osumanu Akaba (26-5-1) really caught on fire in his two most recent fights looking very sharp in pounding vet warhorse Theodore Lokossou of Benin forcing the visitor to retire on his stool after six rounds of exchanges.

Although Lokossou had already lost twice to the rejuvenated Akaba early in their careers, he nevertheless came to rumble and gave a good account of himself until Akaba's brutal body punishment took its toll. Akaba collected the vacant WBO Africa Super Featherweight belt, but only the interim version leaving the real champion, world rated fellow Ghanaian Maxwell Awuku a chance to lobby for a world title shot.

The semi to the main event on this, the maiden show of newcomer Victor Ahiakpor's Heart of Lions Promotions, showcased what was a mouthwatering showdown for the National Super Bantamweight Title pitting up-and-coming brawler Raymond Commey defending his belt for the first time against vet Commonwealth title challenger and former IBF Africa champion Isaac Nettey of non-stop action fame. Alas Nettey, having just witnessed his brother Razak drop a twelve round war against Commey back in June, decided to use his vast edge in experience to fight a smart, tactical fight that put most of us to sleep and looked to have a slight edge after twelve rounds of mauling, missing, and grabbing. However, the three judges thought otherwise, giving the surprised Commey his fifth win in six fights. Isaac deserves a rematch, if any promoter cares to put it on.

Ashie braces for a counter from Nurudeen,

In a bonus attraction, top Lightweight George Ashie (22-3-1), fresh off a one round annihilation of local rival Abdul Malik Jabir just two months ago, stayed busy for a promised Commonwealth title shot as he systematically wore down Nigerian champion Prince Nurudeen who kindly stepped in on three days notice after original opponent for the vacant title, Innocent Anyanwu, could not make it. The visitor, showing controlled movement and a sharp counter punching style that could have given Ashie problems had the fight wore on, gamely tried to implement his will, but after five rounds, the lack of conditioning, and Red Tiger's constant tactical pressure, compelled the Prince to live to fight another day. Nurudeen returns home with his first loss after ten straight wins.

Brilliant Super Bantamweight hope, amazing John Amuzu, added another "win" to his heavily padded record with a one round decapitation of repeat victim and perennial loser Samuel Adotei to score his ninth "official" win, all by knockout. Padding the record of a superb fighter such as Amuzu is doing a disservice to the development of his career as it does nothing to prepare him for the very tough fights he will encounter at the international level when his handlers are sure throw him to the wolves.

Faded local idol Bukom Snake, alias Abdul Malik Jabir, attempting to regroup after his recent embarrassing opening round exit against George Ashie, was made to struggle in a keep busy fight against mismatched neophyte Tackie Annan. The former Black Bombers' team captain and multiple regional titlist was extended into the fifth round with his delusional die-hard adherents chanting "Malik is back, Malik is back" near ringside. Jabir "improves" to 17-8 while Annan remains winless in two outings.

Smooth punching welterweight contender Kofi Manu made it five straight so far in 2011 with a two round dismantling of jaded journeyman Nii Akrofi for his tenth win against six defeats. Though Manu has some decent scalps to his credit, he has come up just short against the cream of the crop having dropped decisions to the likes of Obodai Sai, Patrick Allotey, and most recently, Felix Lawson. An excellent clash between two young unbeaten Super Feathers saw Michael Pappoe overcome an early deficit to score his third win with a fifth round stoppage of George Krampah, now 4-1.

South Africa Weekend Action

With South Africa's Simphiwe Nongqayi's WBO challenge against former victim Jorge Arce stealing the spotlight, countryman Gideon Buthelezi's WBC title shot against Mexican Light Flyweight Adrian Hernandez almost flew under the radar. The current IBO belt holder takes on newly crowned Hernandez in Mexico after upsetting undefeated compatriot Hekkie Budler in January. Buthelezi hopes to score his thirteenth win against only two defeats but will be hard pressed to wrest the belt from the more experienced champ who has already faced several former title holders in compiling a 21-1-1 record.

A big show in South Africa headlined the 'Blockbuster' features world rated Super Lightweight contender Kaizer Mabuza (23-7-3) squaring off against fast-rising national Welterweight title holder Chris van Heerden (16-1-1) for the vacant IBO mantle. Though Mabuza, coming off an unsuccessful IBF world title shot against highly regarded American Zab Judah, is vastly more experienced than his young southpaw opponent, this will be his first go at the higher weight limit which should even things out.

A second IBO matchup pits former Light Flyweight champion Hekkie Budler (18-1), dropping down a division to campaign for the vacant Straweight belt, against world rated OPBF champion Michael Landero (15-4-4) of the Philippines. Budler tries to regroup from a recent loss to countryman Gideon Buthelezi while Landero, who must be favoured, is on a roll remaining unbeaten in his last nine against tough opposition.

Undercard action sees Johannesburg resident Flo Simba, by way of DR Congo, try to climb back on the heavyweight fast track after a disastrous defeat at the hands of the White Buffalo, Frans Botha, back in June. Simba will be gunning for his twelfth win against former national Cruiserweight champ Danie Venter (11-5) over eight rounds, or less. Vet campaigner Sam Malinga (22-7-2) takes on touted Congolese Bongo Lipembo in a highly charged eight round matchup. Though the gap in experience is wide, Malinga, the former South African champ, has lost three of his last five while Jo'burg based Lipembo is on a hot streak of four straight inside the distance wins since turning pro with two losses over seven years ago.

Undefeated Joey Stiglingh may be biting off more than he can chew in his fourteenth fight when he takes on former ABU and South African titlist Jasper Seroka (20-3) in another eight rounder. And in what could be the fight of the night, big-punching Zack Mwekassa (10-2) of DR Congo tests unbeaten South African Cruiserweight champ Thabiso Mchunu (9-0), also over eight.

Nongqayi vs Arce Rematch Tops Busy Weekend

Main matchup this weekend involves South Africa's Simphiwe Nongqayi (16-1) again tavelling into the lion's den hoping to repeat a victory over vengeful WBO Super Bantamweight champ Jorge Arce (57-6-2) of Mexico. Last time they met, it two years and two weight classes ago. The unbeaten, but underdog South African, scored a huge upset with a sound unanimous decision over the Mexican superstar to cop the vacant IBF Super Fly belt. But, since then, the two fighters paths have taken opposite trajectories. Nongqayi's next two title defense matches saw him score a draw in France and then get stopped back in Mexico. Arce, however, rebounded with five straight wins including a major win over emerging and unbeaten Wilfredo Vasquez, Jr for the belt he is set to defend. The questions facing the challenger are whether the fourteenth months of inactivity and the move up in weight will help or hinder his performance while, for Arce, it must be seen how, or if, he can prevent being handed another boxing lesson.

Tanzania Action

A hectic month, so far, in Tanzania as the nation kept its position as the busiest, boxing-wise, on the continent. A flurry of promotions marked the end of Ramadan starting with no less than four promotions on the same day.

Aug-31-2011 Majimaji Stadium, Songea - In a Super Middleweight six rounder, top Super Welterweight contender Roy Mbunda (11-5), edged out vet Middleweight Bagaza Mwambene by the referee's score of 59-57. Mwambene drops to 19-9. A Lightweight encounter witnessed up-and-comiong Mohammed Matumla, alias Snakeboy Junior, manage only a draw over six against unbeaten two fight novice Mussa Omari. Matumla keeps his undefeated ledger intact at 6-0-2. Three four rounders consisting of debutantes rounded out the show. At Super Welterweight, Bonifaca Luoga drew with Rajab Seleman while a Bantamweight fray saw James Mtanga shutout Ali Bobu. Another Lightweight contest between Evans Unyola and Ernest Moyo ended in a stalemate.

Aug-31-2011 Butiama Hall, Chanika - Reigning Super Middleweight champion Said Mbelwa improved to 14-5-4 with a six round decision over ancient Ernest Bujiku, the very former National Welterweight champ. A scheduled four rounder saw James Martin (3-3-1) take out debuting Mwisheshe Ramadhan in the third. Flyweight Michael Marwa, also making his pro debut, managed a four round draw against thirteen fight vet Ally Mahiyo, now 6-4-3. At Lightweight, Mohamedi Kashinde made it three straight with a four round decision over Omari Mwamwa who evens out at 1-1. And Banya Lurenge, in his first paid match, delivered Kaminja Ramadhan his fourth loss in six fights in a Middleweight four.

Aug-31-2011 Tangamano Hall, Tanga - Up-and-coming Featherweight Jumane Mohamed (3-1-1) gained sweet revenge over sole conqueror Rajabu Maoja with a close ten round unanimous decision. Vet Maoja drops to 16-10-3. Ageing Bantamweight warrior Anthony Mathias, attempting to get back on the winning track, took on winless Haji Juma (0-2-5) but only ended up with a second round technical draw after an accidental clash of heads. Mathias, who twice did the impossible, winning in Thailand, ploughs on with a 29-20-3 record. In a Lightweight sixer, fading former Bantamweight champion Allan Kamote improved to 14-4-4 with a fourth round stoppage of winless Musa Sunga appearing in only his second paid match. Saidi Mundi pounded Bakari Matereko to a second round TKO in a Lightweight contest scheduled for four. Both fighters were making their debuts.

Aug-31-2011 Tabata Hai Bar, Dar-es-Salaam - In a Super Featherweight matchup involving debutantes, Seif Kizo overcame Idd Mbishi for a six round points victory. Lightweight Said Muhidin ruined the pro debut of Wilson Segu with a first round starching to even his record to 1-1. Bantamweight Ibrahim Hamis had a better debut with another first round blowout over Innocent Michael, now 0-1-1. Deo Samwell also leveled debuting John Paul in one in a Super Bantamweight affair to claim a 3-2-3 record.

Sep-01-2011 Jamhuri Stadium, Morogoro - Top Tanzanian performer Francis Cheka, recently stripped of his UBO Intercontinental Middleweight belt, moved up a division to test the Super Middleweight waters. In a rematch of their January eight round classic, arch-rival Mada Maugo again ended up on the short end of a majority decision, this time over ten to suffer his seventh defeat against twelve wins. Cheka improves to 23-6-1. In a clash between Tanzania's two top Lightweights, Deo Njiku (12-5-1) gained revenge for a title fight loss back in '09 with an eight round split decision over Maliki Kinyogoli who suffers his seventh defeat in nineteen outings. Super Bantamweight contenders Simba Watunduru and Juma Afande clashed over six rounds and when the dust had cleared, a close but unanimous decision was in store for Watunduru whose stats improved to 9-4-4. Afande drops to a tough 3-5-1. Super Lightweight Joseph Sinkala, searching for his fifth straight victory after an unsuccessful debut, was rudely dispatched in the second frame by debuting Juma Kihiyo. And Super Flyweights Fadhili Majia (9-2-4) and Sadiki Abdulazizi (7-4-3) repeated their four draw result of 2010, but this time over six.

Sep-01-2011 Chunga Hall, Kasumulu - In a Super Welterweight encounter, Maisha Samson (4-1-1) drew with West Lloyd (3-1-1) over six. At Welterweight, Fred Ndomba notched his second win with a two round dispatch of debuting Paul John. Featherweight Furaha Adengenye (2-1) edged Luke John (0-1) with a four round decision. And in their pro debuts, David Yohana outscored Allen Fred over four in a Welterweight scuffle.

Sep-04-2011 Mwinjuma Hall, Dar-es-Salaam - A six round Featherweight contest saw Bakari Mohamed's (8-7) four fight win streak come to a close courtesy of Ramadhani Shauri (10-2-1) by way of a six round decision. Flyweight Sadat Miyeyusho made it 4-4-1 with an opening round ambush of Shabani Manjori, making his pro debut. In other four round action, Issa Omari (3-0-2) drew with Kade Hamis (1-0-1) at Light Fly. A pair of Flyweight fights featuring debutantes witnessed Mwaite Juma pound out a decision over Frankie Pully while Herman Richard and Shadrack Juma deadlock to a draw decision.

Other Results

Darchinyan pounds Mbamba.

Top South African Super Flyweight prospect Evans Mbamba flew into the Lion's Den to face fearsome former multiple world champion Vic Darchinyan in the Armenian's homecoming appearance in Albania. Mbamba gave it a go but the Australia-based hitter was not going to be denied in his first ever pro appearance in front of his countryman's fans as he scored a one-sided decision over the less experienced South African. Darchinyan scored his thirty-seventh win against three defeats in defending his IBO Bantamweight belt while Mbamba learns valuable lessons to take back to South Africa after only his second defeat in twenty outings.

A fight card in Livingstone, Zambia last Saturday pitted former ABU titlist Pythias Kabembe in his second comeback fight since losing the crown in Morocco last year. The Welterweight improved to a reported 6-2 with a unanimous decision over Namibia's Eradius Hamuyela. National Bantamweight contender Gibson Kamota got in some good experience with a ninth round TKO over former champ Isaac Banda, making an ill-advised comeback after more than a decade away from the game.

In a Featherweight contest, Catherine Phiri advanced to 2-0 pounding out a four round decision over Zimbabwean visitor Cicilia Pitiseni, now 0-1-1. A second female contest witnessed a rematch between recent WBF International contender Rhoda Mushikana and Zimbabwe's Diana Makumbe. The local girl had previously managed a split decision win, but this time around, had to settle for a four round draw.

National Lightweight contender Charles Kauseni was also held to a draw against Ernest Phiri over four rounds while in a catchweight sixer, top Welterweight Dyson Mwisa stopped Super Lightweight Abius Silupumbwe in the third.

Down in Mexico, former Ghanaian Middleweight champion Mohamed Akrong had an honest go at world rated Marco Antonio Rubio for the WBC Latino belt but could not emulate his countryman Kofi Jantuah's 2004 one round blitzing of the Mexican strongman. Akrong made it exciting but was consistently receiving a lot more punches than he was delivering until a fifth round knockdown allowed the ref to wave it over. Rubio scores his ninth straight victory in compiling an impressive 52-5-1 ledger while Akrong drops to 13-4.

Oosthuizen Wanted In The US

Rising South African Super Middleweight Thomas Oosthuizen, coming off a scintillating decision over American Aaron Pryor, Jr on the undercard of the widely watched HBO broadcast of Andre Berto's comeback over Jan Zaveck, has been called back to the US by promoter Lou DiBella to make another appearance on one of his shows before the end of the year.

"Tommy Gun" as the 22 year old is known, impressed US fans with his style and determination two weeks ago in his US debut ignoring a massive cut as he outpunched the son of legendary Super Lightweight great Aaron Pryor in defense of his IBO belt, remaining unbeaten in seventeen fights. Pryor, coming off a June win against recent world title contender Librado Andrade and with high hopes of landing a major world title shot, must regroup with his fourth loss in twenty matches.

An undercard match saw another son-of-a-legend, that of former African Super Bantamweight and Commonwealth Featherweight champion Modest Napunyi of Kenya, also end up with an unsuccessful outing as US-based Anthony Napunyi suffered a TKO in the third round by unbeaten Puerto Rican hope Luis Orlando Del Valle, appearing in his fourteenth paid fight. The Kenyan , now a Florida resident drops his seventh in a row and now stands at 14-11.

Recent Action

German boxer Uensal Arik showed up in Ghana to re-ignite his fledgling career and scored a fourth round TKO over local tough boy Isaac Sackey. Arik is scheduled to have two more fights in Accra to beef up his 1-1 record before returning home. Sackey drops to a reported three wins and five losses having faced some of the Ghana's better competition. Nigerian Light Heavyweight champion Isaac Ekpo, newly based in Accra, tuned up for his proposed WBO Africa title match with a fourth round dismantling of winless Kojo Adaho. But, a slim and trim Ekpo weighed in under the Super Middleweight limit and now plans to campaign in that division. Ekpo advances to a reported 9-1 but there are at least half a dozen early wins missing off his record.

The island of Reunion hosted its first ever world title match in Saint Denis when WBF Super Lightweight champion Myriam Lamare of France took a shutout unanimous ten round decision over Colombian contender Lely Luz Flores. Lamare improved to 18-3 while Flores, in her fourth attempt to grab world honors, slips to 16-6.

Kenyan Welterweight contender George Owano popped up in Tyumen, Russia attempting to collect his eleventh win in seventeen outings in a four round warmup against local loser Niazi Samedov. Instead, the East African visitor only managed his first draw against an opponent with only one win coming into his seventh paid match.

Tanzanian champion Francis Miyeyusho travelled all the way to Thailand to face undefeated world ranked contender Thangthong Kiattaweesuk over twelve rounds last Friday. But, after five rounds of toe-to-toe fighting, the undefeated Thai dropped the willing but outclassed Miyeyusho for the count to collect his sixteenth knockout in twenty-three fights. The globe-trotting Tanzanian vet now stands at 30-10-2.

Obodai Sai Ambushed

Ghana's latest pride, undefeated Commonwealth Super Welterweight champion Obodai Sai boarded the plane to England with two things in mind. Make himself known to the British public and return home with his unbeaten record intact. The slick, but rugged boxer from the famed streets of Bukom, Accra certainly qualified on the first, causing an out-pore of angry fanmail after his fight with fellow unbeaten Jamie Cox was ruled in the Brit's favor on Friday night.

After opening multiple cuts on Cox's forehead early in the fight, Sai had to endure countless low blows from his taller southpaw opponent which finally resulted in points being deducted by the seemingly lenient referee. Yet, in spite of this plus a strong finish from the Ghanaian, the three British judges, to the dismay of the TV announcers and all in attendance, managed to conceive a unanimous points victory for the Frank Warren promoted local hotshot.

With the ensuing onslaught of angry emails, sportswriters' ridicule and an official protest from the Ghana Boxing Authority, the Commonwealth Boxing Council will likely mandate an immediate rematch in the interests of all.

Afolabi, Kayode Victorious

Nigerian Cruiserweight pair Ola Afolabi and Lateef Kayode maintained their top ten world rankings over the weekend with expected victories over their selected opposition. Former WBO Interim Cruiserweight champ Afolabi, fighting on the undercard of the Klitschko-Adamek WBC Heavyweight title fight in Poland, tried early for his ninth KO, but when it was not forthcoming, settled for an eight round points win over very tough local boy Lukasz Rusiewicz. English-born Afolabi improved to 18-2-3 while the brave Pole was able to spend the anniversary of the Twin Tower Bombings the next day with an appropriate 9-11 record.

Hard-punching, US-based top ten contender Lateef Kayode also cruised to a unanimous ten round decision over faded former contender Felix Cora, Jr of the US to remain unbeaten in eighteen fights. After opening a cut over his opponent's eye in the second and connecting with a hard right in the third, Kayode reportedly failed to follow up but instead, tried awkwardly to box the rest of the way. With a WBA title match against master-boxer Guillermo Jones looming on the horizon, going the distance could very well help the youngster's confidence. Cora, meanwhile, drops to 22-5-2.

In Middleweight world title action, another US-based Nigerain, Eromosele Albert, took on local hero Daniel Geale in a mandatory challenge, last Wednesday, for the IBF belt in Hobart, Australia. Geale, making his first title defense, reportedly rebuffed the spirited challenger with a sparkling display of boxing to score a twelve round unanimous decision. The champion scored his twenty-sixth win against only one defeat while Albert goes home with his fifth loss in thirty bouts.

Also in action, newly transplanted Wale Omotoso, all the way from the mean streets of Lagos, via Australia, had his first taste of Stateside action. The undefeated Welterweight, ranked twelfth by the IBF, scored his seventeenth knockout in nineteen outings with a fifth round drubbing of normally durable American opponent Calvin Odom who drops to 19-11.

Simba Back With A Bang!

South African based Zairois Flo Simba impressively KO'd his way back into the win column with a third round right hand bombing of former WBA Pan-African and GBU Intercontinental Heavyweight titlist Thamsaqa Dube of Zimbabwe. Simba, advancing to 11-1, emphatically put behind his June stoppage loss to vet Heavyweight campaigner Frans Botha chalking it up to learning experience. Dube, who scored a shock knockout over South African hope Jake Els two years ago, came in at a whopping 269 lbs (122 kgs) for this match and was reportedly fifty pounds lighter than his last fight only two months ago when he embalmed washed up countryman Arigoma Chiponda in one round back home in Bulawayo. He returns home with his third loss in fifteen fights.

In an over-the-weight encounter scheduled for eight, current National Light Heavyweight belt-holder Tshepang Mohale and newcomer Ryno Liebenburg engaged in a seesaw battle that saw both fighters kiss the canvas in the first before a seemingly beaten Liebenburg, a four fight novice, unleash a scorcher of a right hand in the sixth to erase the deficit and remain unbeaten. Fortunately for Mohale, his South African belt wasn't on the line as he drops to 8-4. The two have three months to negotiate a rematch with the belt on the line after the loser's two month medical suspension expires.

Popular Jr. Lightweight warrior Warren Joubert improved to 18-2-3 barely outfighting novice Raymond Kupula before stopping him in the sixth and last round of a Lightweight encounter. Kupula, a DR Congo native, reportedly loses his third straight overmatched fight in South Africa. Super Welterweight hope Michael Van Heerden upped his stats to 10-1-1 with a unanimous six rounder over Sylvester Zaki, now 4-3. In four rounders, Super Lightweight Alexander Jonker barely kept a four fight unbeaten streak intact with a split decision over Jared Silverman who drops to 2-2. In the knockout of the night, hot prospect Adam de Moor advanced to 2-0 with a first round starching of Gideon Mathe, now winless in two matches. Lightweight Ashley Dlamini scored his ninth win against one loss and one draw detonating a right hand on overmatched Richard Khunou in the opening stanza. Khunou stumbles away with an even 1-1-1 record.

Upcoming Week's Action

The big fight of the week sees newly crowned Commonwealth champ Obodai Sai of Ghana traveling into the lion's den to defend against fellow unbeaten Jamie Cox of England. Both Super Welters are evenly matched at fifteen bouts a piece and although southpaw Cox has tasted the more experienced opposition, the latest sensation from the Bukom battlegrounds of Ghana has had to get by two tough local fighters, Joseph Lamptey and Isaac Selom. Couple in the fact that Sai has been twelve rounds three times while Cox hasn't seen any round cards past the eighth, and the Brit's hometown advantage is suddenly leveled.

In Saint-Denis, on Reunion Island, France's Myriam Lamare takes on Colombia's Lely Luz Flores for the WBF Female Super Lightweight belt. Lamare, the defending champ, sports eighteen wins against three losses while Flores at 16-5, comes off a tough January loss in Zambia to local star Esther Phiri for the WIBA and IBO titles.

WBO Cruiserweight challenger Ola Afolabi is still looking for a replacement for his injured opponent on the undercard of Vitali Klitschko's WBC Heavyweight title defense against former Light Heavy and Cruiserweight champion Tomas Adamek in Poland. The Britain-born Nigerian is expecting to defend his WBO Inter-Continental belt over twelve rounds.

Another world rated Nigerian Cruiserweight also sees action when unbeaten US-based Lateef Kayode takes on former top contender Felix Cora, 22-5, while honing his skills under the guidance of trainer Freddie Roach of Manny Pacquiao fame. The big-punching former Nigerian Olympian will be seeking his fifteenth kayo in eighteen fights but will not have his NABA, NABO or NABF titles on the line in this ten rounder.

Also under the guidance of Freddie Roach, yet another Nigerian, this one being Welterweight Wale Omotoso, recently of Australia but now based in the US, takes on American Calvin Odom in his first fight Stateside on the undercard of the Yuriorkis Gamboa vs Daniel Ponce DeLeon championship match. The former amateur star should have no problem extending his undefeated record to nineteen straight wins against his journeyman opponent who sports a tough 15-10 ledger.

Ghana Action

George Ashie, aka Red Dragon, shocked the throng of fans who came to see their idol Abdul Malik Jabir when he easily dismissed his opponent in the opening round of their highly anticipated ten round Super Featherweight grudge match. Bukom Snake, as Jabir is known to his legions, was put under early pressure from a blistering body shot. Ashie calmly moving forward with measured head movement, then connected with a blistering combo capped off by a straight right which deposited the former ABU champ on the seat of his pants. Jabir beat the count but was unresponsive to the ref who waved it off immediately causing a mid-ring confrontation with Jabir's corner. Minor chaos ensued in the ring as officials had to separate Jabir and Ashie from continuing their fisticuffs but eventually calmer heads prevailed. Ashie, improving to 21-3-1, next faces world class countryman Maxwell Awuku for the vacant Commonwealth Super featherweight belt. Jabir drops his eighth fight in twenty-three matches but continues to remain one of the biggest draws in Ghana.

Earlier, Nigerian strongman Sunday King Hammer made known his presence to local fans combining a bit of showboating with punching power to seemingly dominate stylish local Middleweight contender Laatekwei Hammond for the vacant interim WBO Africa belt. Though Hammer, entering with a 12-2 record, rocked the shorter Ghanaian several times during the bout, he failed to follow up strongly time and again allowing the fight to be determined by the three Ghanaian judges. End result, the local lad was crowned the new champion on a twelve round split decision. The Nigerian visitor, though visibly upset, was gracious in defeat and asked for a rematch while his manager, Elum Onyeka, filed protests with the WBO and Ghanaian commission delegates while also claiming an attempt at bribery by the opponent's camp immediately before the match. Hammond improves to 17-5.

In a scheduled twelve rounder, vet campaigner Prosper Ankrah put on a deft display of boxing skills in dismantling his southpaw opponent Michael Barnor in six rounds for the vacant National Bantamweight title. Ankrah improves to a reported 13-2 while Barnor, a recent challenger for the WBO Africa Super Bantamweight belt, drops to 9-2-2. The popular Ben Ankrah, otherwise known as "Congo Soldier", made it four wins in a row on the comeback trail with a second round blowout over mismatched novice King Adams in a Lightweight encounter scheduled for ten. Congo Soldier improves to 15-10. Rising prospect Richard Commey, also at Lightweight, stayed unbeaten in five outings with a second round decapitation of the winless Dan Quartey in a bout scheduled for eight.

Two other eight rounders saw vets Bilal Mohammad and Osumanu Akaba stay busy against very soft opposition. Super Lightweight Mohammad collected his nineteenth win against four losses but struggled in an uneventful outing against perennial loser Emmanuel Quaye to eek out a split decision win. In the show opener, former WBC International Featherweight title holder Akaba, now performing at Lightweight, bored fans for six rounds against novice Tackie Annan until their cornermen mercifully pulled their man out between rounds. Akaba raises his stats to 25-5-1.

Title Action - Namibia, South Africa

The National Super Featherweight Title fight between defending champ Godfrey Nzimande and mandatory challenger Ayanda Yaphi spilled over into the East London crowd who vent their frustration at what they considered a premature eighth round stoppage in favor of the visiting champ. Local hero Yaphi, covered in blood from an accidental headbutt in the second round, was able to lure the more experienced Nzimande into a street brawl. And although getting hit frequently, reportedly fought back gallantly to connect time and again until the sudden stoppage. Nzimande, a multiple titlist, escaped the hostile crowd and collected his twenty-fourth win against three defeats and two draws. The mandatory challenger drops to 9-2-1.

In neighboring Namibia, WBA Pan-African Flyweight champion Joseph Hlongwa retained his title with a hard fought, unanimous twelve round decision over Zimbabwean challenger Tinaze Mashiwana. The Namibian is now unbeaten in thirteen fights, while the visitor goes home with a reported 7-4 ledger. A heavyweight four rounder saw Simasiku Matengu improve to 1-1 with a unanimous decision over Toiva Kamati, handing him his second straight loss. In a six round Featherweight bout, local lad Tony Nakashimba scored his seventh win in eleven matches with a points win over Zimbabwean loser Ronald Tamani who dropped his sixth fight against only one victory. Another Featherweight six rounder witnessed a rare matchup of boxers with losing records as Joseph Katenda barely picked up his second win in twelve fights with a split points victory over Matheus Kandara, now 2-4. As is usually the case when two losers fight tooth and nail for a rare chance to collect a "W", the winners are the fans. Lightweight Albinus Felesianu collected his seventh scalp in eleven outings with a first round execution of visiting Dumezweni Ntulikiwho who returns home to Zimbabwe with a 2-2-1 record. Welterweight Lukas Ndafoluma scored his second win with a four round split decision over debuting Steven Tjimbonde.

Olusegun vs Cheba World Title Eliminator

A WBC Super Lightweight world title eliminator between Nigeria's Olusegun Ajose and Canada-based French-Algerian Ali Chebah is set for September 30th at the Chumash Casino in California. The London-based southpaw has held the Nigerian, ABU, WBF Intercontinental, British, and Commonwealth belts in compiling an unblemished 29-0 record while Algerian hero Chebah has lost only once in thirty-seven outings and is the proud owner of the WBC Youth and North American Boxing Federation belts.

While the two boxers sport impressive records, a closer look at the level of their opposition suggests that the pair must consider themselves very lucky to be involved in a fight that will give them a mandatory crack at the world title. And with world champ Timothy Bradley's managerial woes forcing him to be declared "Champion In Recess" by the WBC, this may pave the way for a direct shot at the newly vacant belt.

Results

On the undercard of Lamont Peterson's IBF Super Lightweight title eliminator twelfth round KO over Victor Manuel Cayo last Friday, Kenya's Douglas Otieno was predictably dispatched in only two rounds in his attempt at the vacant NABA Light Heavyweight title against 15-0 Russian Sergey Kovalev. The globe-trotting Otieno, in this his first trip to the US, loses away from home again for the seventh time against twenty-three wins, all at home. Another undercard match on the Las Vegas show saw Gambia-born Swede Badou Jack (pictured) dispatch normally durable American Timothy Hall with a body shot in the second of a Super Middleweight four. The twenty-seven year old Olympian improves to 7-0 while Hall loses for the twelfth time in eighteen outings.

Also on Friday, at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, US-based puncher Paul Mpendo of Uganda could not land the big one and let former WBA World champion Jose Antonio Rivera get away with a unanimous decision in a Super Welter matchup scheduled for eight.

Same day in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzanian spectators at the Millenium Hall witnessed a club show topped by a six round rubber match between local Super Bantamweight contenders Hassan Kidebe and Shaban Mtengela. Their first encounter back in December produced fireworks with both boxers visiting the canvas before Mtengela was able to squeeze out a four round decision. A rematch was in order and in April, the two fought to a draw, again over four rounds. This time, upgraded to a six, the score still unsettled with the ref scoring it three rounds a piece. Mtengela goes home with his third draw against six wins and four losses while Kidebe closes out at 11-4-4. In other four rounders, unbeaten Lightweight, Salehe Mkalekwa, took a unanimous decision over Edward Luanda, both in their fourth paid matches. The loser has not seen a victory since his debut at Light Flyweight in 2007. Still at Lightweight, Mohamedi Kashinde notched his second win in as many fights with a third round KO over debuting Maulid Muhsin. At Bantamweight, another debutante, Bashiru Mkumbukwa, dropped a shutout decision to a very happy Dickson Kawiani celebrating his first victory in six outings. In the same division, Elias Nyampala outpointed Hamis Machachari while at featherweight, Mohammed Kondo topped Omari Makame, all making their pro debuts.

Dar-es-Salaam fans enjoyed another fight card on Saturday, this time at the DDC Keko Hall featuring two ancient warhorses and a pair of female matchups. Forty-one year old ex-IBF Africa Super Welterweight kingpin Maneno Oswald scored his thirty-seventh win against thirty-three defeats and three draws with a fifth round KO over the very faded former Tanzanian Welterweight champion Ernest Bujiku in a Middleweight encounter scheduled for six. A female Super Lightweight encounter witnessed the return to action of Jamhuri Said after a disastrous 2007 pro debut first round KO loss to world-rated Kenyan Fatuma Zarika. This time, the Tanzanian evened her ledger out at 1-1 with a six round points victory over Zarika's country-mate Rukia Nasarite, now 5-7-4. In the second female pairing, Fadhila Balawa and Asha Mzoa, both making their pro debuts, battled to a four round draw at Super Bantamweight.

Former ABU and IBF African Super Middleweight champion Joseph Marwa, now campaigning at Cruiserweight, took a heavyweight fight in Russia against 3-1 Albanian novice Bedarin Toma. But although Marwa was thirty-eight fights more experienced than his opponent, Toma made up for it with seventy-four more pounds in weight (33 kgs). Result; Marwa suffered two knockdowns en route to dropping an eight round decision. Top Tanzanian Super Welterweight contender Selemani Said travelled to Ukraine to take on undefeated Oleksandr Spyrko for a shot at the vacant IBO Youth Super Welterweight title on Saturday, but was rebuffed on the scorecards after going the ten round distance. Spyrko notched his sixteenth straight while Selemani stats drop to 10-4-2.

In Brooklyn, New York, Johannesburg-born US resident Danie van Staden, alias "The White Lion", suffered his seventh defeat and fifth KO loss with eight wins when he was brutally dispatched in the third by local undefeated Super Lightweight hero Gabriel Bracero. The winner, improving to 17-0, managed only his third knockout, but ironically connected with what is said to be one of the hardest punches of the year so far.

More This Weekend...

Opponent change for Nigerian Super Middleweight champion Mojeed Okedara (pictured) sees Ekpenyong Benson replaced by Razak Gbadebo whose claim to fame is a one round blowout loss to Light Heavyweight champ Isaac Ekpo.

UBO All-African Heavyweight champion Matamba Postolo of Congo-Zaire guns for that organizations vacant Inter-Continental crown when he faces Argentina strongman Guido Santana over twelve rounds this Saturday in Lubumbashi.

Uganda's US-based Super Welterweight Paul Mpendo gets a big break when he faces former WBA champion Jose Antonio Rivera, on the comeback trail, in an eight rounder at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut. Mpendo, owner of an unimpressive 7-7-4 record, is probably considered a "safe" opponent by Rivera;s management, but the ex-champ from Puerto Rico isn't the most reliable on defense presenting the hard-punching Ugandan with an excellent opportunity to score a minor upset.

Action in Blantyre, Malawi, sees local Lightweight prospect Osgood Kayuni attempt to notch his tenth win against a draw when he takes on tough countryman Wellington Balakasi ahead of a scheduled mega-bout next month with fellow unbeaten Zimbabwean hope Ishmael Takudzwa Kuchocha.

Serious Leather Tossing in Accra

Big card this Saturday in Accra sees red hot Lightweight George Ashie, 20-3, square off against Bukom hero Malik Jabir in a twelve rounder with the vacant National title up for grabs. Ashie , knicknamed "Red Dragon", holds the ABU African and UBO World belts, but those titles won't be at stake. Jabir, popularly known as "Bukom Snake", owns an unremarkable 15-7 record, but has faced higher calibre opposition and, although many have written him off, has scored four straight wins and reportedly put himself through a grueling training camp in preparation for this grudge match.

WBA Pan-African Middleweight champ Laatekwei Hammond guns for a second continental belt when he takes on Nigerian champ Sunday King Hammer over twelve rounds for the WBO's version. However, the winner will only become the interim African champ as the actual title was just contested for in May when Hammond's countryman Kojo Issah beat another Nigerian, Alani Sulaimon, for the vacant belt. The WBA version will not be at stake.

A cracker of a twelve rounder pits National Super Bantamweight champ Raymond Commey defending his newly acquired crown against the seasoned former IBF Continental African champ and Commonwealth title challenger Isaac Nettey. A good test for Commey who is on a roll, but having just been involved in a war last month in his title winning effort against Razak Nettey, the champ should consider a long rest before his next outing.

Another National title match, this one for the vacant Bantamweight belt, pits twenty-five year old Michael Barnor against vet campaigner Prosper Ankrah. Barnor, a recent KO loser to Alfred Tetteh for the WBO Africa Super Bantamweight title will be hard pressed to defeat Ankrah who has faced the likes of  world class South Africans Bongani Mhalangu and Tshifiwa Munyai.

Other bouts on the ster-studded card feature former Olympian and undefeated Lightweight Sam Kotey Neecquaye, top Super Featherweight prospect Emmanuel Addo, former WBC Internatioanl champ Osumanu Akaba, and vet Bilal Mohamed.

Sunday Lagos Action

Nigeria, Lagos - Boxing's revival in Nigeria continued on Sunday with a show put on by Feels and Threels Promotions featuring five action-packed, non-title matches.

In a bout scheduled for six rounds, Featherweight national contender Dare Oyewole was rudely outhustled by last-minute novice Waidi Usman who thrilled the crowd with a skillful display scoring a third round stoppage. A Super Lightweight fray saw Akeem Dodoo and Malik Isiaka fight tooth and nail with Dodoo emerging the winner after six rounds by split decision. In a bout scheduled for eight rounds, Sunday Ajuwa iced Ademola Faniyi in the third at Super Middleweight.

A highly anticipated Bantamweight fray witnessed Ghana-based trash-talker Kazeem Owoiya match his prediction of a fourth round victory when he dispatched vet Felix Odion in a scheduled six. His next prediction is that he will gain the National title. And top Super Lightweight Sadiq Ahmed ended his six rounder early by dispatching overmatched Simon Okocha with a third round TKO.
- Results courtesy of Elum Onyeka

Heavyweight Title Set For Abidjan

Long reigning ABC Heavyweight title holder Augustin N'Gou of Cote d'Ivoire makes a long awaited appearance after years of inactivity caused by the civil war in the country. The thirty-seven year old , owner of twenty-five wins against two only defeats, has not seen action since last defending the belt in 2007. An opponent for the scheduled August 6th twelve rounder is yet to be finalized due to the shortage of capable heavyweights in the West African region.

Mzonke Fana Stripped of Title

Reigning IBF Super Featherweight champion Mzonke Fana of South Africa lost his belt in the offices of the New Jersey based sanctioning body without throwing a punch. Fana pulled out of a mandatory defense against top contender Argenis Mendez siting he had no trainer and had never signed a contract.

But, according to his promoter Branco Milenkovic, Fana had verbally agreed to a purse amount and had knowledge of the fight with plenty of time to spare, but had suddenly demanded more money at the last moment. Unable to come to an agreement, Milenkovic said he was obliged to pull the plug on the fight, thus forcing the IBF to impose its strict rules on mandatory defenses so as not to deny the challenger his right to a timely title shot.

Fana's manager, Mava Maulla, is currently seeking assistance from the South African parliament to get Fana reinstated as champion citing loss of imcome.

This And That...

Undefeated Nigerian Welterweight prospect Oyewale Omotoso arrived in Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym in Hollywood after a five year stint in Australia where he compiled an impressive 18-0 record and quickly got signed up by Top Rank. Omotoso joins fellow US-based countryman Lateef Kayode under the tutelage of Manny Pacquiao's famed trainer. Cruiserweight contender Kayode seeks to turn his IBF number one ranking into a world title shot after a final eliminator in October.

Meanwhile, back home in Lagos, top local Light Heavyweight Isaac Ekpo looks to get his career back on track with the help of his state government. The National champ is seeking sponsorship for an ambitious series of fights that include and African title and an Inter-Continental championship.

Kenyan Super Bantamweight Fatuma Zarika ended up on the short end of her Global Boxing Council world title attempt in Germany on Saturday against Elina Tissen dropping a unanimous ten round decision for the vacant belt. Tissen, already the owner of GBU, GBC and WIBF Featherweight titles, improves to 13-2 while ex-WIBF champ Zarika loses only for the fifth time in twenty-eight outings.

In other Kenyan action, Lightweight Samuel Kamau gets another crack at the WBC Youth Intercontinental title on Saturday, this time against Russian Welterweight champ David Avanesyan. The East African's last trip out of town ended in a disastrous one round destruction at the hands of Ghana's Emmanuel Tagoe for the WBO African Super Featherweight title. Kamau will be hard pressed to collect his thirteenth win out of eighteen fights with such a huge jump up in weight.

Countryman Douglas Otieno guns for the vacant North American Boxing Association Light Heavyweight belt in Las Vegas this Firday against undefeated, US-based Russian Sergey Kovalev. If all goes according to script, Otieno should collect his seventh loss in thirty fights following the pattern of losing each of the five times he has traveled abroad. An undercard matchup features Swiss-born Gambian Light Heavyweight prospect Badou Jack attempting to stay unbeaten in eight fights against very tough journeyman Timothy Hall Jr. Although a possessor of an uninspiring 6-11 record, a closer look reveals a rash of split decision losses to very decent opposition suggesting that this will be no walkover for the former Gambian amateur international.

Tanzanian vet Joseph Marwa, 24-17-1, takes on a tuneup eight rounder tonight in Russia, against locally based Albanian Bedarin Toma in anticipation of an October shot at the newly created IBF East/West European Cruiserweight title. Marwa should not have any issues with the hand-picked opponent who has only four fights to his credit.