West Rand amateur boxers Caleb Stellenburg of Toekomsrus and Mbulelo Khota of Westonaria stepped into the ring at Emperors Palace’s Sol Castro for the third Shaya Thursday development boxing tournament.

Both local fighters faced tough opposition in their respective bouts, with the judges ultimately awarding victories to their opponents after three competitive rounds.

Stellenburg, fighting in blue, took on Lenasia’s Corrigan Moonian, who wore red, in one of the amateur contests on the evening’s programme.

The match-up promised plenty of action, with both boxers entering the ring following victories in previous Shaya tournaments. Stellenburg had beaten Tshepo Mokena in the September edition, while Moonian had impressed with a win against Gedden Mabiala during the inaugural tournament.

However, it was Moonian who emerged victorious this time, with the judges scoring the contest 3–0 in his favour.

Westonaria’s Khota also had a tough challenge ahead when he faced Lerato Mofokeng of Tshepong Ironside Boxing Club in the Vaal.

Competing in the 52kg weight category, Khota (red) went toe-to-toe with Mofokeng (blue) in a closely contested three-round bout, with the judges awarding Mofokeng a narrow 2-1 victory.

Despite the results not going their way, the two West Rand boxers gained valuable ring experience at a development tournament aimed at giving young amateur fighters an opportunity to showcase their abilities.