Former Pitbull Dojo Boksburg bantamweight striker Billy Oosthuizen’s transition from amateur to professional continued to impress as he defeated Zwelebanzi Ngema in round three of EFC 74 at Carnival City on October 6.
Ngema is arguably Oosthuizen’s toughest challenge to date in a long time, with Oosthuizen’s recent bouts completed in the first round.
This time, however, Ngema all but took Oosthuizen all the way as the latter grabbed the victory two seconds from time, improving his EFC record to 3 – 0.
Oosthuizen’s former Pitbull Dojo Boksburg teammate Robert Swanepoel dropped to 0 – 2 following his defeat to Elvis Ngwalangwala in the early stages of round three.
EFC featherweight superstar Igeu Kabesa completed a third defence of his title against Culum Murrie via unanimous decision during the main event.
The champion started quickly, putting the challenger under relentless striking pressure coupled with a strong clinch game against the fence.
The champion’s hexagon savviness was in full display as his attack matched his defence.
He constantly nullified the challenger’s submission attempts while doing damage with his stinging strikes and kicks.
In the fourth round, Kabesa landed a body kick that doubled the Scottish over, followed with a hook that smashed his head back, and then his trademark spinning back elbow that had Murrie wobbling on his feet, but still the Scot kept coming.
Credit must be given to the challenger for holding the seemingly unstoppable champion to five rounds, forcing the bout to go the distance.
Elsewhere, a double debut and new injection into the women’s division was the second fight of the main card, with the USA’s Cheyanne Vlismas facing Poland’s Karolina Wojcik.
The two women had generated animosity during the build-up of their anticipated face-off and it was evident when the moment of truth had finally arrived as they wasted no time in exchanging blows following the buzzer.
It was left to the judges to separate the two, with a split decision victory going to Vlismas. The bout was so close and absorbing, the ladies took Fight of the Night honours.
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