Boxer Sikho Nqothole takes home the belt
All lovers of boxing united for the jam packed action held at the Galleria on October 27 with one undercard and six main cards to offer.
The highly anticipated ESPN Africa Boxing event held at the Galleria in Sandton had a full house of spectators and supporters all cheering for their favourite fights.
The 22nd instalment of the challenge had one undercard and six main cards on October 27.
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In a six-round battle between Kaine Fourie and Sinethemba Blom, a total of three knockdowns were recorded in the first four rounds of the match.
As both fighters unleashed their true potential in the ring during the first two rounds, it seemed as if it would end up in a tie, but a breakthrough in the three round decided the victor of the match.
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To everyone’s surprise, Blom who seemed agile in beginning took a hard hit from Fourie which sent him on the floor not once but twice in the same round.
Fourie did not show any signs of slowing down as Blom requested to continue. In the end, Fourie won by a unanimous decision.
With everyone placing their bets for who was going to take home the WBO Global Junior Bantamweight Champion title, no individual was fully prepared for the fight and the verdict.
Both Sikho Nqothole of South Africa and Denmark Quibido representing the Philippines proved to be worthy competitors possessing great movement and hits.
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Despite both being neck and neck, the decision on the winner was made in the fifth round when Nqothole delivered a fatal blow which led the Philippine fighter taking a breather on the floor. It was no surprise when the officials announced Nqothole as the new winner of the title.
Results of the ESPN Africa Boxing 22nd instalment event:
Main card:
- Monica Mkandla wins by a unanimous decision over Sazisiwe Simon (40-36, 40-36, 40-36)
- Kaine Fourie wins over Sinethemba Blom (59-52, 58-53, 57-55)
- Kagiso Bagwasi wins by TKO over Tshifhiwa Munyai (2 min, 41 secs in round 3)
- Talent Baloyi wins by a majority decision over Kutlwano Ogaketse (76-76, 75-77, 75-77)
- Jabulani Makhense wins over Henriques Lando (118-110, 119-109, 117-111)
- Sikho Nqothole wins by a unanimous decision over Denmark Quibido (120-106, 119-107, 120-106)
Undercard:
- Iviwe Mgema wins by unanimous decision over Phumlani Maloni (59-55, 59-55, 58-56)
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