Grahamstown boxers gave fully of themselves in the city’s first professional boxing tournament in 15 years, claiming two victories out of three bouts involving Grahamstownians.
Grahamstown boxers gave fully of themselves in the city’s first professional boxing tournament in 15 years, claiming two victories out of three bouts involving Grahamstownians.
The tournament took place at Noluthando Hall on Saturday afternoon, and was promoted by Zulu Sports Productions in conjunction with Department of Sports, Arts and Recreation and Makana Municipality.
There were eight bouts, of which three involved Grahamstown boxers. Thandolwethu Wati (Ziphunzana) beat Masonwabe Mgcuwe (Grahamstown) in a first-round knockout. This junior bantamweight (52.16 kg) bout started off in quick fashion with Mgcuwe attracting a lot of local support. The evenly matched sluggers sized each other up in the opening seconds, but the bout was over before spectators could start cheering as a hay maker from Wati had Mgcuwe sprawled on the canvas and out for the count.
Mgcuwe landed two clean combinations, but then dropped his guard for a split second which left the opening that was all Wati needed for the sucker punch. Despite losing, Mgcuwe was given a standing ovation by the fans.
Ndikho Magadaza (Grahamstown) beat Thulani Rweqe (Duncan Village) on points This lightweight (61.63 kg) bout was fought over four rounds and with both boxers looking to land telling blows early on. Rweqe, the taller of the two, had the longer reach, but was unable to keep Magadaza out as the pocket rocket scythed through Rweqe's defences that had him down for a mandatory eight count after landing clean combinations, followed by a right jab.
Rweqe regrouped after the setback and landed a few of his own punches, but the round had been taken by Magadaza. The second and third rounds were an exhibition of excellent defensive ring work that even Floyd Mayweather would have been proud of as the boxers traded punches, bobbed and weaved out of potentially widow making punches.
Magadaza had some difficulty getting inside the defences of Rweqe, but like a seasoned pro, took advantage of every scoring opportunity and squirmed out quickly when up against the ropes or when cornered. To his credit, Rweqe landed his fair share of punches, but each combination was met with a barrage of measured counter punching from Magadaza.
Sensing that the fight was out of his reach, Rweqe looked to nail the killer punch in the final round, but Magadaza positioned himself well and had his man running after him. Fitness levels started to show as both boxers began to tire, but the home town hero never lost his bearings and was able to outlast his rival and deservedly won on points, to the delight of his fans.
Mtwekhaya Makhombe (Grahamstown) beat Sinethemba Hela (Mdantsane) in a second-round technical knock out Hela proved no match for Makhombe in this six round strawweight (47.63 kg) bout. Hela, who had the height advantage, used his reach and height well to keep the shorter Makhombe at bay.
Makhombe could not find a way in and resorted to making Hela come to him, which proved to be a smart tactic as Hela started breathing heavily towards the end of the round.
The second and final round of the bout was a total contrast to the first and Makhombe looked to pulverise Hela's mid section, which could not withstand the punishment. Makhombe circled his man like wolf ready for the kill as Hela could not respond to Makhombe's missiles. Hela's corner threw in the towel to save their man from further punishment.
Bongani Zulu, the promoter, was very happy with the day's proceedings proud of bringing boxing back to Grahamstown after a 15 year hiatus. “In time Grahamstown will be counted alongside Mdantsane and Ziphunzana in terms of crowd pulling and talent. There is talent here,” said Zulu.
He also said that with the help of local businesses, he intends to bring more tournaments to Grahamstown. Gloves and kit were handed out to the Grahamstown boxers.
Other results were: Prince Msane (Durban) beat Wele Mbande (Mdantsane) on points (4 rounds, mini flyweight) Siphamandla Nomtshongwana (Mdantsane) drew with Sinovuyo Tayi (Ziphunzana) (4 rounds junior lightweight) Xolisani Ndongeni (Ziphunzana) beat Lulamile Booi (Mdantsane) on points ( 4 rounds junior lightweight) Morris Lento (Ziphunzana) beat Thando Thambo (Uitenhage) by first round technical knockout (6 round flyweight) Mzukisi Mgidi of Mdantsane wrested the Eastern Cape Lightweight title by knocking out champion Ali Tinise of Ziphunzana in the second round. Mgidi remains unbeaten and improves to 9-9-0, with all victories via stoppage, while Tinise drops to 10-0-9 with six knock outs.
