The date was March 24 2022 and the venue was Cambridge Commercial Park in Sandton, where local fight fans had concluded that it was just a matter of time before accomplished referee Sylvia Mokaila rescued Hedda Wolmarans from Ruth Chisale.

The Malawian soldier punished Wolmarans badly for almost five of their 10-round boxing match. But Mokaila knew and understood what was at stake – the IBF Africa welterweight title – so she gave Wolmarans, hosts ESPN Africa and the the fans the benefit of doubt, and let the fight continue...