Joshua "TKO" Studdard came back from the brink of defeat to eventually force a last-minute stoppage in the sixth round against Ronnie Chiloane in Boksburg on Sunday.

Joshua "TKO" Studdard came back from the brink of defeat to eventually force a last-minute stoppage in the sixth round against Ronnie Chiloane in Boksburg on Sunday.

But Studdard was less impressive. The youngster from Sophiatown struggled under pressure and turned their bantamweight six-rounder into a wrestling match.

Either he was ring rusty, having last fought in June last year, or the last minute change of an opponent affected him. His initial opponent was Chiloane's stablemate Mxolisi Nombewu.

Sadly, trainer Themba Zulu - who trains both Chiloane and Nombewu in Springs - could not be at the fight due to illness. Chiloane's corner was manned by Coleman Molefe .

Studdard was eventually docked a point in round four after several warnings for holding. From that point, it looked like Chiloane had a slight points lead but Studdard threw in a flurry of punches. Chiloane's corner threw in the towel, saving him from serious injury.

Studdard improved to eight wins against a loss, while Chiloane suffered his seventh defeat against three wins. This bout topped a development bill of BRD Boxing Promotions.