South African Akani Sambu was dominant, although a bit rusty after a years lay-off, when he retained the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental Bantamweight title on Friday night, October 11.
At the Thaba Moshate Casino in Burgersfort, South Africa, Sambu scored a wide unanimous decision over Tanzanian challenger John Chuwa, after a fight which always looked like it would go the distance.
Chuwa, always on the move, made Sambu miss a lot, while keeping his right hand ready for dangerous counters, but the champion´s work-rate made the difference in most rounds.
It was Sambu´s biggest test to date, and he passed it with flying colours despite finding it difficult to corner his elusive opponent.
Judges Sipho Ndongeni, Pumeza Zinakile and Mike Phiri scored it 100-90, 97-93 and 99-91 for Sambu, who improved his record to 6-1-1 (3). Chuwa travels back to Dar Es Salaam at 23-8 (10).
The fight headlined a show promoted by Mama Rocks Boxing Promotions.
