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.
Saturday 24 September 2011
Friday 23 September 2011
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.
Wednesday 21 September 2011
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.
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.
Saturday 17 September 2011
Other Results
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| Darchinyan pounds Mbamba. |
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.
Friday 16 September 2011
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.
"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.
Thursday 15 September 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday 14 September 2011
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.
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.
Monday 12 September 2011
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.
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.
Monday 5 September 2011
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.
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.
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.
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