East London boxing prospect Okuhle Mthi will submit a challenge form on Monday for a shot at the SA junior-flyweight title after she bounced back to winning ways by besting Malawian Mphatso Metaudzu in Gqeberha at the weekend.
Despite taking the fight at two weeks’ notice, Mthi produced a polished performance to beat Metaudzu to the punch, dominating most rounds in their catchweight clash en route to a unanimous decision at the George Botha Community Sports Centre on Saturday evening.
Scores were 80-72 twice and 78-74 to propel Mthi to winning ways after suffering her lone loss to Sibabalwe Gwebityala in their provincial junior-flyweight title clash in East London in April.
The bout topped an Aphile Boxing Promotions tournament staged as part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro boxing fund aimed at developing the sport in partnership with the regional promoters’ association.
The 21-year-old Mthi never put a foot wrong as she controlled proceedings while displaying excellent conditioning, despite the short-notice call after the withdrawal of Owethu Rula due to injury.
For Metaudzu, the loss marked her sixth with only a single win, having also dropped a decision to Nomusa Ngema in Klerksdorp in her last visit to the country in September 2023.
The win put Mthi’s pursuit of the SA title back on track after it took a knock due to Gwebityala’s loss.
Her manager, Andile Mshumpela, lauded her, saying she had used her boxing skills to outwit the Malawian.
“We were criticised for taking the fight at short notice, but knowing Okuhle’s commitment, we did not doubt she would be equal to the task,” he said.
“We decided to use our boxing skills to out-box her while pacing ourselves well, and Okuhle’s conditioning came to the fore.”
Mthi is one of the boxers training at Luvuyo Tyamzashe Boxing Club at NU7 in Mdantsane, with her stablemate being two-division provincial champion Bongani Fule.
Gym owner Luvuyo Tyamzashe recently made headlines after he was donated a motorised wheelchair by sports minister Gayton McKenzie to help second boxers in the corner during their bouts.
Mthi caused a big upset when she beat reigning SA junior-flyweight champion Nozwelethu Mathontsi in a non-title clash after also accepting the bout at short notice.
She has been chasing a shot at Mathontsi’s title, with her win over Metaudzu now paving the way to get her wish.
Former SA bantamweight title challenger Michael Daries continued with his quest to get back to the title mix by beating Mawethu Limo on points.
Other results: Sibusiso Moyakhe W4 Vuyolwethu Adam (bantam); Liyema Oliphant TKO1 Athenkosi Rhangayi (feather); Uyanda Mtongana D4 Ayabulela Mngxuma (feather); Lubabalo Soga KO1 Ayabulela Mati (bantam); Athanani Mxoli W6 Anele Hashe (mini-fly), Sonwabile Marhenene W6 Phempero Nkhona (jnr feather).
Daily Dispatch
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