Team Dida wins three of five bouts at Day of Reckoning Reloaded
“We did everything right in that fight. We won it, even social media suggested the same. But whatever happened, it's fine, we know we were the best. Even those who judged against him know that he won the fight,” he said.
The Day of Reckoning Reloaded boxing tournament lived up to its promotional expectations, staging a phenomenal, world-class and history-making competition on Friday, 28 June.
The tournament was hosted by Team Dida Boxing Promotion at a packed Kagiso Memorial and Recreation Centre.
One of the expectations for this elite tournament was a result for the vacant South African Junior Feather Weight title, a rematch between Thato Bonokoane and Innocent Mantengu. And indeed, after their 12-rounder explosive main bout, Mantengu claimed the title via split decision.
The decision however was seen as controversial by most boxing fanatics and experts as Bonokoane seemed to be the favourite in the ring as he dominated most of the rounds.
His unhappy coach, Dida Dipheko reflected, “We did everything right in that fight. We won it, even social media suggested the same. But whatever happened, it’s fine, we know we were the best. Even those who judged against him know that he won the fight,” he said.
Another much-anticipated fight was the main supporting bout for the vacant Gauteng Junior Middle Weight title between Linda Ntshingila and Simon Dladla. Ntshingila suffered his first professional career loss at the hands of Dladla who scooped the victory via unanimous decision.
Ntshingila’s coach Dipheko, also reflected on this fight. “I think Linda lost but not by that margin. He started well but lost control of his temper, and I also think he over-trained for this fight,” he said.
Linda also admitted that he allowed a lot of punches to his face and did not return the blows.
Apart from these two fights, Dipheko also enjoyed wins from three of his other boxers. His first fighter, Cain Dube, registered the only Technical Knockout win for the West Rand camp against Fanny Mnguny who was stopped in the fourth round.
Prince Dlomo, whose coach felt he could’ve done better, won by unanimous decision in the Junior Welter Weight division against Tshifhiwa Munyai.
Kabelo Bikitsha also won by unanimous decision against Ripfomelo Skhikwambana in the Light Weight division bout scheduled for six rounds. Dipheko gave credit to him for sticking to the plan.
Other fights out of Team Dida’s camp were between William Bankisi and Wandile Ndlela and Ashton Davis and Brian Shakoane. Wandile won via TKO in the second round and Ashton won in the first round, also via TKO.
