Tommy Gun back with a bang

Tommy Gun beat Russian, Denis Grachev, with a technical knock out (TKO) to win the World Boxing Council International (WBC) Light Heavy Weight title.

The bout was held at Emperors Palace on Saturday.

The fight was stopped in the 11th round after the referee’s consultation with the judges.

Tommy Gun was leading on points from the start of the fight.

As per the WBC rules, the fight was stopped as it was clear the Russian would never match the points the South African had put on the board.

The former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) Super Middleweight champion, Tommy Gun has not been in the ring since November last year.

After this win, Tommy Gun may be back in the ring against Ryno ‘The Lion’ Liebenberg in March.

In another fight, Ali Funeka won the IBO Welterweight world title with a TKO against Roman Belaev from Russia.

The fight was stopped in the 11th round, following the advice of the ring doctor.

The Russian took a shot to the head, which caused a cut above his right eye.

The cut continued to bleed profusely as the fight continued.

Just before the beginning of the 12th round, referee Micheal Alexander from the United Kingdom, consulted with the doctor and stopped the fight.

The man from Mdantsane, Funeka did not have it easy.

The hard-hitting Russian caught him twice in the 9th round. He staggered, but quickly regained his footing on both occasions.

Though he won by a TKO, Funeka was leading the fight.

Two judges said he was leading 105 to 104, while the third judge said he was leading 109 points to 100.

Thabang Ramagole, from Soweto, disappointed his supporters when he lost to Mbulelo Nxazonke from East London in a Junior Fly Weight bout, which he seemed to be leading.

Ramagole was leading the fight until he could no longer take the body punches from Nxazonke.

Referee Pumeza Zinakile counted him out after he had to kneel for the second time in the 5th round.

Johnny Muller won the Cruiser Weight bout on points against Klevin Lerena.