Tshabalala to defend her title

THE waiting is finally over for South African junior featherweight female champion Gabisile Tshabalala.

The golden girl from Evaton in the Vaal, nicknamed "Simply the Best", will defend her title on August 25.

Trainer and manager Elias Mpembe announced on Saturday that his 21-year-old charge would defend against Nomvelo Magaba.

Mpembe said celebrated female promoter Mbali "Don Queen" Zantsi's Showtime Boxing Promotions would promote the fight at Brakpan Town Hall in Ekurhuleni.

Tshabalala has been idle since October 30 last year, when she defeated Bukiwe Nonina on points over 10 rounds for the vacant national title in Welkom.

Magaba is a closed book to Mpembe.

"The only thing that I have heard is that she is from KwaZulu-Natal and is trained by Alex Mchunu, who is the father of Thabiso 'The Rock' Mchunu," said Mpembe.

"Look, I respect Mchunu (senior) for what he did, taking his son to the professional ranks before they parted ways last year.

"But, to be honest, I'm not worried at all but rather excited. Gabisile will get to prove to some doubting Thomases why I call her 'Simply the Best'. I can tell you with great confidence that the title will remain in the Vaal."

Mpembe said Tshabalala had been fight-starved because she does not have a dedicated promoter. He said she turned professional in 2009 and spent the whole year without a fight. Her break finally came on February 13 the following year. She fought six times in 2010, winning five and drawing one - with Matshidiso Mokedisi.

A boxer with average power, Tshabalala has yet to register a stoppage, but she is undefeated after seven fights. Her achievements saw her win the 2010 Boxing South Africa's prospect of the year award. She is the second female boxer to win the trophy.

Noni "She Bee Stingin" Tenge shared it with Chris van Heerden in 2008.