Many South African Boxers were competing all over the world last week. We had 4 Boxers fighting international fights while there were those that were busy with elimination bouts. Unfortunately this action was mixed with the unfortunate passing of the former 4 time world champion, Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala. Jake died of some pneumonia related illness as he was even bankrupted by hospital visits for the past few years. The fights happened in three continents.
Luyanda Kwankwa flanked by his trainers. Image: City Vision.
Australia
On 06 December: Friday night started very well for two South Africans that were playing in Northbridge, Australia. SimphiweVetyeka Won TKO 5 to Chris John. John suffered Knockdown in Round 6, and a barrage of punches. The Dragon ended up not being able to answer the bell at the beginning of the next round, making Vetyeka the first ever South African to win a unification bout. On the undercard Sipho Taliwe lost a Points decision to one of Vetyeka’s victims in Daud Cino Yordan. The judges were not really in agreement as they scored the fight a split decision.
Finland
On the 07 December: Mzonke Fana lost Majority point’s decision to Edis Tatli
Belgium
Malcom Klasen’s fight was postponed on the last hour.
South Africa: Cape Town
In OR Tambo Sports complex WBA Pan African Junior Flyweight title12 Rounds was fought between Luyanda “Oscar” Kwankwa and Malibongwe Mtusanto. The fight was the perfect sendoff to Jake Matlala as this was the division he also once competed in as he was a little man. Nkwankwa wasted no time in winning TKO in round 4. The fight was not only one sided but it reflected the superior skill of Oscar who used to be the sparring partner of Mtusanto. The tournament was a huge boost for Cape Town boxing and it sought to bring boxing back to the communities that have supported boxing for years. The main supporting bout of the evening was a comeback at Junior Lightweightof Simphiwe “Ntsimbi” Tom. The Fight was scheduled for 6 rounds between him and Unathi Nelani from Eastern Cape. “Ntsimbi” wasted no time and knocked out Unathi Nelani on the first round. Unathi suffered two knockdowns in the first round leading to referee Eddie Marshall calling the fight off as the visitor was complaining of some head ache. The ringside doctor attended him quickly and the fight was gone as soon as it started. Undercards 6 rounds Jr Fly, Yanga Daniso Lost TKO 5 Mzwabantu Dabaza 6 Rounds Jr Fly, Dalisizwe Komani Won TKO 4 Nwabisile Cotani 6 Rounds Junior Middle, Myolisi “Brown Bomber” Xayo Drew 6 Tebogo Molose 6 Rounds Straw weight, Lazola Mjonono Won Points 6 Ndikho “Mini Cooper” Magqadaza
