I was cheated, says Ndlovu
THE South African featherweight contender, Prince Ndlovu, who was unable to snatch the championships title from Oscar Chauke, says he was cheated, especially by the referee whose actions influenced the decision of the judges.
LIMPOPO – THE South African featherweight contender, Prince Ndlovu, who was unable to snatch the championships title from Oscar Chauke, says he was cheated, especially by the referee whose actions influenced the decision of the judges.
Ndlovu and Chauke were part of a boxing tournament, which was staged by Hlanganisa Sports Promotions in conjunction with the Greater Giyani Municipality.
Ndlovu said he wanted a rematch as soon as possible.
“I fell four times due to water in the ring, not because of punches, but the referee, Sylvia Mapaila, still counted. She even fell herself due to the water in the ring.
“Instead of drying the ring, they let us continue with the fight and the referee’s actions influenced the results. I dominated the fight from the onset. I regard myself as the champion because everyone could see how I outclassed Chauke.
“Spectators were also not happy with the referee’s decision, causing them to stand and yell at her. Chauke himself knows that he lost the fight and I think people have seen the cruelty of boxing,” said Ndlovu.
Chauke said he was ready if Ndlovu wanted a rematch.
He said the fight was a pound-for-pound fight, where he showed his jabbing skills and professionalism.
“I have defended my title and that’s it,” he said.
In the international featherweight fight between the South African, Sydney “Skeleton” Maluleke and Tawanda Chigwida from Zimbabwe, Skeleton won by TKO in the third round.
Chigwida blamed the referee, again Mapaila, for stopping the fight in favour of Skeleton while there was no life-threatening punches that hit him.
“I was not dizzy and ready to continue with the fight, but I was shocked when she stopped the fight. I was very disappointed.
“Her aim was to give the fight to Skeleton. A rematch should be organised,” he said.
In the opening fight, Godfrey Nemukongwe won over Pfariso Neluvhalani on the judges’ decision. Johannes Peterson from Gauteng was sent off by TKO by local boxer, Renson “Bagdad” Hobyane in the second round.
The promoter, James Mathonsi said it was a spectacular tournament that revived boxing in Limpopo. “There was a very big improvement in the Ndlovu corner. We used a standard ring and I understand that there was water in the ring, but I think the root cause of the problem was the type of shoes Ndlovu wore.
“This is the beginning and people should expect more to come,” said Mathonsi.
