Nozipho Bell is the new World Boxing Federation (WBF) Women’s World Featherweight Champion, after she took the title from defending title-holder Unathi Myekeni on Friday night, March 29, at a packed Nongoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
The highly anticipated encounter between Eastern Cape rivals turned out to be a one-sided affair, with the aggressive challenger dominating the action from start to finish, putting on a masterclass and out-boxing the courageous Myekeni.
Bell, who was coming down in weight after losing on points to Ewa Brodnicka in a bid for the WBO World Super Featherweight crown last October in Poland, delivered the best performance of her career, while Myekeni showed tremendous heart by staying in the fight to the end.
Judges Prince Mbambaza, Eddie Marshall and Phindile Ngingi all scored it a shut-out 100-90 for Bell, who took her professional ledger to 9-2-1 (3). Myekeni, who now intends to move down to Super Bantamweight where she held the WBF World title in 2010, falls to 11-5-1 (5).
The fight headlined a show promoted by Mbali Zantsi and her Showtime Boxing Promotions, in conjunction with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
