JUSTICE finally prevailed at East London's Orient Theatre on Friday night when Thando Vukuza won the South African featherweight title by beating Manelisi Leli Mbilase on points.
JUSTICE finally prevailed at East London's Orient Theatre on Friday night when Thando Vukuza won the South African featherweight title by beating Manelisi Leli Mbilase on points.
In their first clash in Carletonville last October, Mbilase was declared the winner but ringside experts at the time felt that Vukuza had won that one. Even Mbilase's then trainer, Nick Durandt, said the wrong fighter had won.
Boxing SA then reviewed the fight and ordered a rematch.
With new handlers in former world champions, Welcome Ncita and Vuyani Bungu, Mbilase had his moments, but Vukuza still landed the heavier punches which sent Mbilase's mouth guard flying.
However, as the fight entered the championship rounds, Vukuza resumed control, sweeping the last four rounds to leave no doubt he deserved to win.
Just like in their first fight when the judges scored it otherwise, judge Lulama Mtya again saw Mbilase winning by 116-114. This sparked booing from the pro-Vukuza audience.
However, justice prevailed when Mtya was overruled by colleagues Simphiwe Mbini and Andile Matika who scored the fight in favour of Vukuza 116-114 and 115-114.
Other results: Siviwe Ntsiko TKO 10 Lwandile Sityatha(Eastern Cape mini-flyweight title); Mncedi Yokose beat Mkholisi Bonxa (catchweight), Sisonke Ntantiso beat Siyanda Ngange (jnr feather), Balimo Weliya KO2 Leon Mriba (supermiddle). - Sapa
Vukuza the champ as he wins title
JUSTICE finally prevailed at East London's Orient Theatre on Friday night when Thando Vukuza won the South African featherweight title by beating Manelisi Leli Mbilase on points.
JUSTICE finally prevailed at East London's Orient Theatre on Friday night when Thando Vukuza won the South African featherweight title by beating Manelisi Leli Mbilase on points.
In their first clash in Carletonville last October, Mbilase was declared the winner but ringside experts at the time felt that Vukuza had won that one. Even Mbilase's then trainer, Nick Durandt, said the wrong fighter had won.
Boxing SA then reviewed the fight and ordered a rematch.
With new handlers in former world champions, Welcome Ncita and Vuyani Bungu, Mbilase had his moments, but Vukuza still landed the heavier punches which sent Mbilase's mouth guard flying.
However, as the fight entered the championship rounds, Vukuza resumed control, sweeping the last four rounds to leave no doubt he deserved to win.
Just like in their first fight when the judges scored it otherwise, judge Lulama Mtya again saw Mbilase winning by 116-114. This sparked booing from the pro-Vukuza audience.
However, justice prevailed when Mtya was overruled by colleagues Simphiwe Mbini and Andile Matika who scored the fight in favour of Vukuza 116-114 and 115-114.
Other results: Siviwe Ntsiko TKO 10 Lwandile Sityatha(Eastern Cape mini-flyweight title); Mncedi Yokose beat Mkholisi Bonxa (catchweight), Sisonke Ntantiso beat Siyanda Ngange (jnr feather), Balimo Weliya KO2 Leon Mriba (supermiddle). - Sapa