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Champ Marali turns wrestler

BORING: Zolani Marali fights Gamali Diaz of Mexico on thier IBO Junior Light Weight Title at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg. 03/04/2009. Pic. Antonio Muchave. © Sowetan.
BORING: Zolani Marali fights Gamali Diaz of Mexico on thier IBO Junior Light Weight Title at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg. 03/04/2009. Pic. Antonio Muchave. © Sowetan.

Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

When Zolani "Untouchable" Marali volunteered the word "ugly" during the post fight interviews for his boxing match with Gamaliel Diaz, the interpretation was that he would punish the Mexican ugly.

But their fight at Emperors Palace last Thursday night lived down to the real meaning of the word ugly. Marali looked like he was in some trance. He threw one punch and lunged into prolonged clinches for almost 12 rounds.

But he was crowned the new IBO junior lightweight holder. Marali made an unimpressive debut under new management of trainer Colin Nathan and manager Brian Mitchell.

Marali opened his legs too wide apart as if he was playing rope pulling, hit Diaz from behind and turned their fight into a wrestling match.

Earlier fight fans witnessed an impressive action packed closely contested 12 rounder between Hekkie Budler and Charrit Mukondeleli for the IBO All Africa junior flyweight clash.

Budler emerged victorious after digging deep into his reserves. Jake Els's career could be over after failing to win the WBA Pan African heavyweight belt after being blown away in eight rounds by Zimbabwean Thamsanqa Dube.

Jackson Chauke outperformed Peter Pelani over four rounds while Octavia Mbira was declared a TKO winner over Sibusisio Khumalo in the third round. Argentinian Fernado Vera was disqualified in the first round for his constant holding of Jared Lovet.

These Golden Gloves fights were bankrolled by Gree Air Conditioners.

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