Obed Nkosi’s Azani Netishangani goes the distance against former SANABO Champion
Obed Nkosi boxer Azani Netishangani displayed grit and determination as he battled experienced former two-time SANABO champion Junior Mamba over four rounds in Fourways. Despite a points defeat, the Lucky D Boxing Club fighter earned praise from coach Lucky Dlamini for his resilience and fighting spirit.
Obed Nkosi boxer Azani Netishangani displayed remarkable courage despite suffering a points defeat to Junior Mamba in their four-round professional featherweight bout in Fourways on August 1.
Representing Lucky D Boxing Club, Netishangani took on the experienced Junior Mamba, a former two-time SANABO champion.
Although the judges awarded the contest to Junior Mamba on points, the Ratanda boxer earned praise for his resilience after recovering from an early knockdown to see out all four rounds.
Netishangani was dropped by a body shot in the opening round and received an eight-count from the referee. He showed great determination by getting back to his feet, regaining his composure and fighting until the final bell against his more experienced opponent.
Lucky D Boxing Club founder and head coach Lucky Dlamini admitted his boxer did not execute the team’s game plan but believes the experience will contribute to his development.
“We lost on points after four rounds because Azani fought the wrong fight and did not stick to the game plan we had prepared. He was too slow, there was little follow-up after landing punches, and his work rate was too low. Junior Mamba was fast and mobile. In the third round, he did exactly what I expected.
He caught Junior Mamba with a few good punches, but he didn’t follow up, which allowed his opponent time to recover. For most of the fight he was the one applying pressure, but he was not attacking with enough urgency,” he said.
Dlamini also added that he was proud of his boxer’s fighting spirit.
“I’m proud of him for getting up after the body shot in the first round, regrouping and fighting back until the last bell. Junior Mamba is a former two-time SANABO champion, so he brought far more ring experience into the fight than our boxer. I want to thank everyone who continues to support us. Azani’s family came out to support him, and that means a lot. I also want to thank the number one matchmaker on the continent, Abbeys Mnisi, for his hard work and dedication in creating these opportunities for our boxers,” he said.
