Tornado stars on night of knockouts

Boxing returned to the South Coast shores last week Saturday, as KwaZulu-Natal boxer Sanele ‘Tornado’ Msimang of Ntshanga in Cato Ridge made light work of SA number three ranked lightweight, Ripfumelo ‘RIP’ Chikwambane, in an eight round lightweight main event held at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre.

It was sanctioned by Boxing South Africa alongside Lightning Promotions, Uhuru Sports, Siyathaba Promotions, and in association with Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality and Ugu District Municipality.

Msimang, who hadn’t fought in over three years, only needed four rounds out of eight, before the referee called for a TKO stoppage, well into round four.

Msimang came out firing in the first round, looking to control the tempo.

Chikwambane did well to absorb the pressure against the ropes and looked to implement his game plan in the next two rounds, fighting behind his jab, accompanied by a significant amount of gamesmanship.

This did not seem to phase Msimang who frequently landed combinations once within range, catching Chikwambane with a left hook that dazed him.

Round four was all Msimang, as he scored a knock down after firing a straight right hand the sent Chikwamabane crashing to the canvass.

Although he beat the count, a flurry of unanswered punches from Msimang saw referee Thokazani Ncube call an end to the fight in round four.

“My trainer said to me I should be a champion by now since I have been boxing since 2011. I am now ready for that title shot, and that is my only goal this year,” Msimang said.

In the co-main event, SA women’s middleweight champion Mapule Ngubane, moved up to cruiserweight to take on number ranked African female heavyweight Lillian Masiziba Molala who took the fight on two days notice after three years of inactivity.

The battle was mostly contested in the clinch with Ngubane throwing a few overhands that didn’t do much damage.

The beginning of the second round saw Molala come out strong with punishing blows to the body and a stiff right hand which dazed Ngubane.

Round four was all about the champion, who found major success in the clinch dealing massive blows to the her opponent’s body, that secured a unanimous 39-38; 39-37 and 39-37 decision.

“Cruiserweight punches are much heavier, but thanks to my experience I manoeuvred and adjusted. I’m going back to middleweight now, and I’m planning on going after another title. I’ve tried to get a fight with Noni Tenge (WBF women’s super-welterweight/junior middleweight champions) and with the faith I have in myself, I’ll walk away as champion,” Ngubane said.

In the opening bout, Mnqobi Mzobe demolished Ayabonga Mhlathi, in a bout that saw Mhlati’s corner throw in the towel, 1:24s into the first round.

The following match, between women’s featherweights Owethu Rula and Bongiwe Colani went all four rounds as Colani picked her opponent apart to win a clinical 40-37; 40-36 and 40-36 unanimous decision.

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