BY any world standards, the most important thing to understand in boxing, is your professional code. Dee-Jay Kriel had that concept well under his belt when he climbed into the ring to face Dexter Alimento for the WBC International Minimum-weight title.
The ‘Amabhungu Ak’Sasa’ or Young Blood boxing tournament took place on July 23 at Emperors Palace staged by African Ring in Conjunction with Golden Gloves Promotions.
The tournament consisted of six bouts where the young blood in boxing showcased their talents in front of the lively support of their fans. The main bout featured the contest for the WBC minimum-weight belt where Kriel, who hails from Boksburg, took on Alimento from the Philippines.
Photo: Annette van Schalkwyk
A few months ago Kriel made a trip to the UK in order to up his skills in the ring and learn from the highly rated pugilists in England by attending training camps and watching some tournaments. He definitely came back a mature boxer and approached his contest to the Philippine in the same way.
At times, Alimento rocked Kriel with his blows to the head, but it was the diminutive boxer from the Hot Box camp that stood the test and held his cool in the ring. According to WBC rules, the points after each four rounds have to be made public. Kriel won outright with a unanimous point’s decision in the end, to capture the world title.
The main supporting bout came from Lerato Dlamini and Thembani Hobyane in the featherweight division over eight rounds. Both gave excellent account of themselves, but it was Dlamini who was very active in the ring and dished out two punches that mattered. He won by a unanimous point’s decision of 73/79, 72/79, 73/79.
Photo:Annette van Schalkwyk
The other boxer that impressed was Wade Groth from Box Office, who now boasts a record of four fights – one KO and three TKOs. He overpowered his opponent, Kose Thaba, and won by TKO in the second round 1:26. It is still early in his career, but he will be a force to reckon with in the middleweight and already has a great fan base.
Chris Thompson made heavy weather of Tshilidzi Mulaudzi in the Cruiser-weight taking him down in the second round 1:19 winning by TKO.
The opening bouts over four rounds, belong to Ayabonga Sonica and Alex Lunti in the junior featherweight divison. Sonica won by the judges’ unanimous point’s decision of 36/40, 37/39, 36/39. Jabulani Makhense won his junior welterweight fight by TKO in the first round in 44sec against Khodani Tshiakale.
The next major boxing tournament will take place on August 12 where Kevin Lerena will now face a new opponent namely the US-based Olanrewaju Durodola, from Nigeria.
Max Maslov has withdrawn from his IBO title fight against Kevin Lerena, – a day after receiving his air tickets to travel.
Promoter Rodney Berman has now drafted in the big-punching Olanrewaju Durodola (25-4) of Nigeria for the August 12 championship fight at Emperors Palace.
Book your seats in advance contact Jeff Ellis 078 457 3030.
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