The financial year of the provincial government-funded boxing tournaments wrapped up in style in Makhanda when former SA title challenger Athenkosi Thongwana relaunched his career by claiming the interim junior-flyweight crown.
Staged by Makinana Boxing Promotions as part of a Human Rights Day commemoration on Friday, the event marked the last of the six development tournaments funded by the provincial department of sport, recreation, arts and culture, which punched off in March.
Originally planned to feature Mzwabantu Dabaza defending his provincial junior-flyweight title against Thongwana, the bout changed when Dabaza suffered an injury in a car crash while preparing for the fight.
An interim title was created for Thongwana to face Akhona Msindeli and the Duncan Village star grabbed the opportunity with both hands as he destroyed Msindeli in four rounds.
Thongwana was aggressive throughout before a body blow forced Masindeli to take a full count.
The win marked the second in a row for Thongwana since joining rising trainer Lonki Witbooi after suffering back-to-back losses to Mpumelelo Tshabalala in a brutal stoppage while challenging for the SA crown, before dropping a points decision to Abongile Jacob.
Witbooi lauded the performance of his new recruit, saying Thongwana was on course to stake his claim at the winner of reigning SA champion Siseko Teyisi and Jacob.
Teyisi and Jacob are scheduled to clash at East London’s Orient Theatre in a Xaba Promotion show.
“Ideally Thongwana would love to get his revenge on Jacob, but I do not care who wins in their bout — all I want is the winner,” he said.
In the women’s bout, Anam Xuza scored a second stoppage win over Owam Dyani in their featherweight clash.
Other results: Philani Mfaku TKO1 Malibongwe Bakalisi (jnr light); Ayabulela Xatyana TKO3 Sibusiso Mkolo (jnr feather); Aphelele Makhenzi TKO1 Oyisa Gabayi (fly).
Daily Dispatch
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