A few months ago you could be forgiven for being pessimistic about Makazole "The Professor" Tete's prospects as a boxer.
Yet all of a sudden this diminutive fighter from Mdantsane - accused of being content with living in the shadow of younger brother Zolani - is hogging the headlines.
"Makazole will be crowned the new IBO champion on December 11," promoter Ayanda Matiti said after the boxer registered a unanimous points decision in the defence of his IBO International flyweight belt against Mexican Armando Herrera Torres at Orient Theatre on Friday night.
The IBO flyweight title is held by Moruti "Babyface" Mthalane. The IBO has placed Tete just below WBA and WBO champion Francisco Estrada, WBC champion Roman Gonzalez and IBF holder Amnat Ruenrong. Tete is surprisingly undefeated after 15 fights and came back from the brink of a first round stoppage against journeyman Torres. He was made to eat leather all night long but landed fewer but cleaner punches to impress the judges, whose scorecards read 118-110, 119-109 and 115-113.
Whether Tete is ready to end Mthalane's reign will be decided in the ring. Many experts have warned him to avoid Mthalane if he still wants to box, based on the hard work he made of his fight against Torres. Mabhuti Sinyabi retained his IBO International featherweight belt on points against Sydney Maluleke in a 12-rounder. Aphiwe Mboyiya outpointed Sibusiso Zingange for the IBO All Africa lightweight title while Xolani Mcotheli stopped a washed-up Vusumzi Tyatyeka with a body blow in the fourth round for the IBO International lightweight strap. Bongani Mahlangu retained his SA featherweight strap with a dubious split decision given that Mfusi Maxhayi looked well-beaten.
Matiti, who staged the tournament, added: "I am about to clinch a deal with IBF International champion Oscar Chauke to defend against Mabhuti.
"Aphiwe could face reigning SA champion Jasper Seroka for the IBO Inter-Continental belt. Bongani, Maxhayi and Mcotheli could share the ring in our two tournaments that will take place outside East London in November and December."
Tete is new toast of the ring
A few months ago you could be forgiven for being pessimistic about Makazole "The Professor" Tete's prospects as a boxer.
Yet all of a sudden this diminutive fighter from Mdantsane - accused of being content with living in the shadow of younger brother Zolani - is hogging the headlines.
"Makazole will be crowned the new IBO champion on December 11," promoter Ayanda Matiti said after the boxer registered a unanimous points decision in the defence of his IBO International flyweight belt against Mexican Armando Herrera Torres at Orient Theatre on Friday night.
The IBO flyweight title is held by Moruti "Babyface" Mthalane. The IBO has placed Tete just below WBA and WBO champion Francisco Estrada, WBC champion Roman Gonzalez and IBF holder Amnat Ruenrong. Tete is surprisingly undefeated after 15 fights and came back from the brink of a first round stoppage against journeyman Torres. He was made to eat leather all night long but landed fewer but cleaner punches to impress the judges, whose scorecards read 118-110, 119-109 and 115-113.
Whether Tete is ready to end Mthalane's reign will be decided in the ring. Many experts have warned him to avoid Mthalane if he still wants to box, based on the hard work he made of his fight against Torres. Mabhuti Sinyabi retained his IBO International featherweight belt on points against Sydney Maluleke in a 12-rounder. Aphiwe Mboyiya outpointed Sibusiso Zingange for the IBO All Africa lightweight title while Xolani Mcotheli stopped a washed-up Vusumzi Tyatyeka with a body blow in the fourth round for the IBO International lightweight strap. Bongani Mahlangu retained his SA featherweight strap with a dubious split decision given that Mfusi Maxhayi looked well-beaten.
Matiti, who staged the tournament, added: "I am about to clinch a deal with IBF International champion Oscar Chauke to defend against Mabhuti.
"Aphiwe could face reigning SA champion Jasper Seroka for the IBO Inter-Continental belt. Bongani, Maxhayi and Mcotheli could share the ring in our two tournaments that will take place outside East London in November and December."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos