Mulovhedzi defends his world title at home

South African International Boxing Association (IBO) Welterweight World title holder Tsiko Mulovhedzi’s split decision victory over Mexican Jesus Gurrola from Mexico was among the highlights of the Boxing Extravaganza event held Ngoako Ramahlodi Sports Arena in Seshego last Friday.
Mulovhedzi won the IBO title in July last year when he stopped his fellow countryman Ali Funeka in the fifth round. “I have been waiting for this fight for a long time and the preparations went well. I must acknowledge the fact that Gurrola is a tough and strong fighter I am glad to have won,” Mulovhedzi said.
In another fight South African Gideon Buthelezi beat Diego Luis Picherdo from Namibia in a majority decision after 12 rounds to successfully defend his International Boxing Association (IBO) Junior Bantamweight World title.
In the Vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Junior Lightweight International title scheduled for 12 rounds Malcom Klassen from Randfontein defeated Ruiz Miranda from Mexico by technical knockout in the first round to win the bout.
Japhet Uutoni from Namibia beat Bongani Silila from Khayelitsha by technical knockout in the 9th round of 12 to win the Vacant WBO Junior Flyweight International title.
Sydney Maluleke from Giyani beat Prince Ndlovu from Venda in a split decision to win the International Boxing Federation (IBF) Featherweight Africa Title after 12 rounds.
The Provincial Junior Welterweight title scheduled for 12 rounds was won by Tendani Munyai from Venda after beating Norman Tshisikhawe also from Venda by technical knockout in round 2.
The Junior Featherweight bout pencilled for six rounds was won by Tendani Ndou from Venda by technical knockout after defeating Balanganani Ndou in the second round of the bout.
Tapiwa Tempo from Zimbabwe won the Bantamweight bout over six rounds after he beat Rofhiwa Nemushungwa from Venda with a points decision.
Event Organiser, Pathutshendzo Dongola from Consortium of African Promoters said they were delighted have staged an international event in Seshego. “Everything went well, we had five international boxers in one roof fighting for different titles and that is a huge achievement for us. We are also congratulating all winners in various titles,” Dongola said.

Featured Photo: Herbert Rachuene – Tsiko Mulubhedzi prepares to unleash a punch to Jesus Gurrola from Mexico during the fight at Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Arena last Friday.

Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert@mailbox.co.za