6 days ago
Mandela Day Boxing Championship brings thrilling action to KaNyamazane
Fitness, skill and grit were put to the test at the highly anticipated Mandela Day Boxing Championship, held at Chafzar Lifestyle on Saturday, July 26. The event, hosted by the Mpumalanga Boxing Organisation in partnership with the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation, formed part of Mandela Day commemorations and drew a spirited crowd despite the rainy weather.
In the heavyweight division, Zuzumusa Mthethwa of Daantjie Boxing Club secured a third-round victory over Roath Philip of Mbombela Boxing Club. The bout was evenly matched in the first round, intensified in the second, and was ultimately decided in a high-energy third round, with both fighters giving it their all.
In another match, Kgaogelo Tshehla of Nkangala Boxing Club showcased a strategic and disciplined approach against Justice Shongwe of Matsulu Boxing Club. Tshehla dominated from the outset with precise punches, leaving Shongwe struggling to recover. Despite a resilient final round from Shongwe, time ran out before he could turn the tide.
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As the rain fell, tensions only heightened in the ring. Vasco Ngomane of Komati Boxing Club delivered a powerful performance to claim victory over Zakhele Mabena of Nkangala Boxing Club. He credited the win as a key milestone in his career, reinforcing his reputation as one of Komati's strongest fighters.
The clash between Ernest Tshela (Nkangala) and Solomuzi Shabella (Daantjie) ended in a decisive win for Shabella. He came out aggressively from the first round, landing several blows to Tshela's face and midsection.
The rain-slicked surface added to the challenge, and by the third round, Tshela was reeling under pressure, nearly slipping out of the ring. In the final bout, Trevor Leshaba (Nkangala) Boxing Club defeated Dylan Roets of Highlands Boxing Club in a closely watched contest.
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The first two rounds were cautious, with minimal contact and plenty of holding and clinching, prompting frequent referee intervention. But in the third round, Leshaba found his rhythm, landing powerful punches to Roets' face that proved decisive.
The event drew enthusiastic spectators who engaged in animated post-fight analysis. The championship proved to be a thrilling showcase of young boxing talent, with passion, power and perseverance on full display.
