Mbenge crowned ABU welterweight champion
African Boxing Union (ABU) champion Thulani Mbenge proved too good for DRC international Eric Mukadi, emerging as the outright winner via a TKO in the fourth round, to claim the vacant ABU welterweight title at Emperors Palace on December 1.
Both men came into the fight unbeaten, but Mbenge made a mockery of Mukadi’s then impressive record (17-0-1), as his ring savviness saw him enjoy the ascendency in most parts of the bout.
The writing was on the wall for the Congolese in the fourth round, as the aggressor Mbenge, delivered a flurry of blows that had Mukadi reeling; before indicating his surrender.
The win improved East London-based Mbenge’s record to 8-0. His first seven wins were all via knockouts.
Mukadi dropped to 17-1-1.
Meanwhile, crowd favourite Johnny Muller confirmed the inevitable, with a second-round win against Herman Potgieter.
The much more experienced former SA light-heavyweight champion, withstood a fired-up start from Potgieter to later deliver powerful strikes of his own, before referee Jaap van Niewenhuizen stepped in. He awarded Muller the win by TKO, puttiing Potgieter out of his misery.
The annual Christmas Cracker Box-and-Dine Tournament was organised by African Ring, together with Golden Gloves.
Other results:
Light heavyweight – 4 rounds: Rowen Cambell beat Gabriel Mngadi via TKO in the first.
Junior lightweight – 4 rounds: Lucky Monyebane defeated Bheki Mhlalangu via points.
Junior middleweight – 4 rounds: Nathan Hammond earned a majority draw against Mandle Mpovu.
Junior welterweight – 4 rounds: Jabulani Makhense defeated Kalela Kaduma via TKO in the second. – @SabeloBoksburg
