OBSERVERS labelled the SA bantamweight title fight between Nkqubela Gwazela and Klaas Mboyane on Sunday as the meeting of the irresistible force and the immovable object.

OBSERVERS labelled the SA bantamweight title fight between Nkqubela Gwazela and Klaas Mboyane on Sunday as the meeting of the irresistible force and the immovable object.

Coming out of that fight at East London's Orient Theatre, that cliché got an interesting twist. Over 11 tough rounds, Mboyane had proved himself to be both the irresistible force and the immovable object. Gwazela was unable to move Mboyane - jabs, hooks, straight rights, body shots, it did not matter - and the Eastern Cape fighter seems to have reached a cul-de-sac. This former SA flyweight champion who boasts victories over tough opponents like Ncedo Cecane, Patrick Twala, Lindi Memani and Moruti Mthalane, was tough in his his prime.

Mboyane, ushered to war by Gert Strydom, proved an irresistible force when he battered Gwazela, who had to abandon his aggressive fighting style and fight off the back foot in rounds five and six.

Mboyane came back strongly in round seven. Gwazela retaliated in eight. But Mboyane, whose physique makes him look like Mr Universe, reclaimed his lead in round 10 and hurt Gwazela with a straight left that sent him stumbling. Only pride saw Gwazela come out of his corner in round 11. He was a beaten man.

The left-handed Mbowane launched a total onslaught and pummelled Gwazela, who eventually received relief from referee Simphiwe Mbini.

The title Mboyane won was vacated by Simphiwe "V12" Vetyeka after he won the IBO strap last month.

With an impressive fourth-round defeat of Cleutus Mbhele last month and one more meaningful bout likely against Mbhele towards the end of the year, Mboyane will probably be a strong candidate for the prospect of the year award.