Edenvale boxer Sibanda stuns Garde to win IBF international title

The Flame of Zimbabwe, Beaven Sibanda, was on fire when he recently faced Richard Garde of the Philippines.

Edenvale’s Sibanda and Garde went toe to toe when they clashed for the vacant IBF Strawweight International title on the undercard of the Titans of Africa Box and Dine Tournament at Emperors Palace’s Centre Court on July 5.

Sibanda, who trains under the watchful eye of Vusi Mtola at the Brian Mitchell Boxing Academy Gym in Edenvale, looked in a class of his own as he used his jab and fast and aggressive punch rate to keep Garde on the back foot and under pressure.

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When Garde was knocked down twice in the fifth round, each time taking an eight count, the writing was on the wall. A telling right-handed body shot from Sibanda ended Garde’s night.

It was an impressive performance from the 23-year-old Sibanda, who has only suffered one defeat in 10 fights.
Not to be outdone, Charlton ‘Baby Pain’ Malajika continued his march to becoming one of the stars of South African boxing by convincingly beating RV Deniega of the Philippines.

Following his victory, Malajika claimed the IBO Youth Bantamweight world title.

The Brian Mitchell Boxing Academy Gym boxer showed his fast hands, accuracy and clever use of distance to outclass the Filipino. The judges scored the fight 100-90, 100-90 and 98-92 in Malajika’s favour.

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Newcomer to the professional boxing ranks, Seth van Aswegen of Alberton faced Sanele Mbatha in a four-round Super Middleweight contest.

In only his second pro fight, Van Aswegen, who also trains at the Brian Mitchell Boxing Academy Gym in Edenvale, took a while to get going, but showed his potential by sending Mbatha to the canvas in the third round to record a knockout victory.