Linden’s Akani Phuzi becomes pan-African cruiserweight champion after fight in Blairgowrie

LINDEN – Local boxer proves the better in cruiserweight title fight.

Youssof Mwanza blocks a punch by Akani 'Prime' Phuzi.

Boxers of Alan Toweel Boxing Gym proved to be an unstoppable force at the Young Gladiators Part Seven event at Blairgowrie Recreation Centre.

One boxer from each of the seven fights is a member of the club in Linden, and five of them won.

 

Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi looks forward to defending his title now.

The main fight on 2 September saw the club’s Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi fight Youssof Mwanza of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for the vacant World Boxing Association pan-African cruiserweight title.

Before this, there were five undercard fights and a main supporting bout, which the club’s Sikho Nqothole won with a first-round knockout against Muziwenkosi Ndwandwe.

Phuzi weighed in slightly more (90,55kg) than Mwanza (88,50kg) but they both started tentatively, assessing each other’s strengths and weaknesses for the first few rounds.

There was a strong support base for Mwanza, but stronger still for Phuzi, the local fighter.

Phuzi had only fought five fights since he started his professional career in June. He won them all and scored three knockouts.

Mwanza was more experienced, with eight wins, one draw and two losses.

Phuzi attacked more in the early rounds and scored some hits.

In the fourth round, his strong left jab surprised Mwanza and put him on the floor.

The crowd roared and began singing the South African national anthem in response.

Phuzi scored some good hits after the blow, but when Mwanza returned to his senses he came back with a vengeance.

 

Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi takes a punch by Youssof Mwanza during the title fight

 

Alan Toweel gives his boxer, Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi some advice between rounds.

With black eyes and bloodied pants (the blood came from his nose), Mwanza focused on quick counters before taking momentum in the sixth round.

His punches connected well and he dodged almost everything Phuzi threw at him.

In the 10th round, Mwanza pinned Phuzi in the corner and landed some blows to the body.

This didn’t happen again as Phuzi’s strikes wore Mwanza down afterwards and, when a mighty uppercut smashed into Mwanza’s chin – leaving the crowd gasping and cheering – Mwanza never came back.

 

Youssof Mwanza does everything he can to avoid a punch from Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi.

 

Youssof Mwanza is on the floor in the fourth round.

 

Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi launches attack after attack on Youssof Mwanza.

 

Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi’s strong jab puts Youssof Mwanza on the floor.

 

Youssof Mwanza swings hard but misses a quick-to-dodge Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi.

The final rounds saw Mwanza muster all his energy to defend, and possibly stay on his feet.

When the final bell sounded Phuzi was named the winner on points by 118 to 109.

“The fight went how we expected it to go,” he said afterwards.

“I used my movement and good defence with a counter-punch.”

He added that he would work on his fitness and attacking set in training before any title defence fights.

Phuzi’s trainer, Alan Toweel said their gameplan based on movement and counters worked perfectly.

“[Phuzi] moved like a ballerina even for his size, and people like to see strong boxers move like that,” he said.

Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi is named the winner of the title fight.

ALSO READ: Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi to fight for Pan Africa Cruiserweight title in Blairgowrie

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