Mokupi’s sudden pre-fight changes
Modimolle-based middleweight division boxer, Karabo Mokupi, has been forced to change his preparations because his initial opponent, Dowayne Combrink, has withdrawn from a scheduled six-rounder.
Modimolle-based middleweight division boxer, Karabo Mokupi, has been forced to change his preparations because his initial opponent, Dowayne Combrink, has withdrawn from a scheduled six-rounder.
The non-title bout was scheduled for Emperor’s Palace in Ekurhuleni on Saturday 24 February.
Instead, Mokupi is now scheduled to trade leather with likewise orthodox boxer, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Augustine Matata, who has replaced Combrink.
To the uninitiated, an orthodox boxer is the one who leads with his left foot forward, while a southpaw leads with his right shoulder.
Mokupi’s cornerman, Donald Khoza, said the change in boxers was not necessarily a big deal, because it was much easier to prepare against a right-handed boxer than a southpaw.
The bout between Mokupi and Matata is set for six rounds.
Head-to-head Matata comes across as the better and more experienced fighter, with six out of six wins, three of them on knockdowns.
On the other hand, Mokupi has two wins and one loss out of his three pro bouts, with the two wins achieved on a knockout.
His loss came via a unanimous decision in favour of Pretoria’s Michael Markram.
— The BEAT
