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On Sunday September 15, at a
packed Orient Theatre in East
London, South Africa, two highly
anticipated World Boxing
Federation championship fights
delighted the many fans in
attendance and watching live on
television via the country’s
leading sports broadcaster
SuperSport.
In an outstanding fight, South
African national champion
Xolisani Ndongeni captured the
vacant WBF International Super
Featherweight title by defeating
fellow countryman Themba
Tshicila by majority decision.
The bout was fought at a furious
pace, and after twelve
magnificent rounds of boxing the
crowd gave the two warriors a
standing ovation.
The scores were 115-113 and
118-110 from judges Phumeza
Zinakile and Simphiwe Mbini in
favour of Ndongeni, while judge
Siya Vabaza had it all even at
114-114. Referee in charge was
Alan Matakane.
With the victory, 22-year-old
Xolisani Ndongeni improved his
unbeaten record to 11-0 (6),
while Themba Tshicila (37) drops
to 25-11-3 (7) after a four
fight winning streak.
In the main event, WBF World
Light Welterweight ruler Zolani
Marali successfully defended his
crown with a clear unanimous
decision over WBF
Intercontinental champion
Mzolisi Yoyo.
This was a fight that local
boxing fans had looked forward
to, as both come from the
Mdantsane Township in East
London, and has been on a
collision course for a while.
The defending champion was on
top of his game and took his
game challenger to school and
easily picked off the aggressive
Yoyo as he continued to come
forward.
In the end Marali was declared
the winner by scores of 117-111
from judge Rassie Erasmus,
119-112 from judge Lulama Mtya
and 119-110 from judge Alan
Matakane.
Zolani Marali, who won the WBF
World title in December 2012 and
was making his first title
defence, can now boast a
professional record of 23-5
(13). Yoyo falls to 21-5 (16).
The WBF Championship
doubleheader was promoted by
Ayanda Matiti and his Xaba
Promotions.
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