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Zolisa Batyi’s SA featherweight title rematch against nemesis Abdul-Aziz Kunert is grabbing all the attention in Saturday’s tournament at East London’s Orient Theatre but there is another tasty return clash on the undercard.
It will see once bright prospect Qhamani Mhlana running it back against Athanani Mxoli in a mini-flyweight duel.
The pair engaged in a nip and tuck affair in December 2023, with little known Mxoli prevailing on points to upset the favoured Mhlana in the same venue.
The loss was the second for Mhlana who had burst into the boxing scene by beating Malakhi Sobolo in his second professional bout.
His career was fast-tracked with calls for him to crack the national ratings but he could not as he did not meet the criteria of having three fights until he beat Sandiso Booi in his next bout.
The harder-than-expected win propelled him to a provincial title challenge against Siphesihle Sityo, who handled him with ease despite one judge giving him the nod.
But it was the subsequent loss to Mxoli that quelled lofty expectations, with his draw in his next bout not helping matters.
Mhlana wants to retrace his steps by avenging his loss to Mxoli in a rematch tournament matchmaker Luyanda Kana described as having the potential to produce fireworks.
“These two have a score to settle because Mhlana feels he should not have lost to Mxoli,” he said.
“But Mxoli is determined to repeat the win and move to bigger fights.”
The win over Mhlana was Mxoli’s second in as many bouts and he is hoping the repeat will vault him to the national ratings in a division in which all rated contenders are jostling for positions in anticipation of champion Siyakholwa Kuse vacating the title.
Already Sobolo and Sityo have had their days in the sun, with Sobolo getting stopped by Kuse in August while Sityo was forced to withdraw due to injuries.
“I think any boxer in the mini-flyweight fancies his chances for a title shot once he gets rated and Mxoli is no different,” Kana said.
“He only needs to beat Mhlana again to meet the three-fight rating criteria and after that anything will be possible.”
Tournament promoter Mzi Booi of KayB Promotions said investing in young talent was one of his objectives, motivating both boxers to go for broke to secure their stay in the promotion stable.
“All we want is to see young boxers getting opportunities to showcase their talent and that is why we are featuring them in our shows,” he said.
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