MUCH as he is delighted that his charge, Thompson Mokwana, has consistently got the better of Patrick Malinga, trainer Manny Fernandes hopes that the fourth clash between the two was their last.

Mokwana stopped Malinga in the 11th round in East London at the weekend to reclaim the SA lightweight title he lost to Viwe Mdletsheni in July last year.

The stoppage victory was Mokwana's third win over Malinga, with Malinga's best result a draw.

"I just hope that this was their last fight, unless they meet for something much bigger than the SA title," said Fernandes.

The first fight between Mokwana and Malinga was in 2011 when Mokwana stopped Malinga in the seventh round. He outpointed him in their second meeting in 2012. Mokwna was then dethroned by Mdletsheni, who was later stripped after testing positive for a banned substance.

Boxing South Africa sanctioned Malinga and Mokwana for the vacant title. They fought at Carnival City in Brakpan on March 23. Malinga appeared to have done enough to win but this encounter was declared a draw. Fernandes said Malinga, who is trained by older brother Peter and Nsimbi Buthelezi, came out with all guns blazing on Friday night.

"Thompson was behind on points after 10 rounds," said Fernandes. "He put pressure and he eventually stopped Malinga in the 11th round. It was a cracker of a fight and fans gave the two boxers a standing ovation. But I insist that it must be their last fight."

While Mokwana improved his knockout ratio to 11 in 19 victories against eight losses and a draw, Malinga suffered his seventh short-route stoppage in nine losses against 27 wins, with 24 KOs.

Meanwhile, Zolani Marali retained his WBF junior- welterweight title with a unanimous points decision over Mzolisi Yoyo also at East London's Orient Theatre on Saturday.

In the main undercard, Xolisani Ndongeni defended his SA junior- lightweight title with a majority points decision against Themba Tshicila.