Second pro win for Philippi’s Mava Sitoto
Manyano Boxing Club’s Mava Sitoto, from Betterlife in Philippi, won via a split decision during a Maxim Boxing showdown in Salt River on Saturday night.
Sitoto beat Pride Fighting Academy’s Ulemu Hammex after a four-round junior lightweight bout at the Blackpool Hall.
In the early rounds of the fight, it was a back and forth competition, between the two talented boxers.
With height advantage and speed, Sitoto used the ring well to move and to deliver punches when it was necessary.
“I started boxing in 2010. I was following my older brother, Aphiwe Myoyo. I did well in amateur, so I turned pro in 2022. I won the first fight over six rounds and won this one over four rounds. We were ready for this,” said Sitoto.
For Sitoto, the third and fourth rounds were a test of heart and character. Hammex had a dangerous left and right hook that seemed to disturb him. But after receiving some instructions from coach Simphiwe Tom during the one-minute break inbetween rounds, Sitoto came out boxing, with a sneaky uppercut, that steadied his opponent to fight with caution.
Ahead of the fight on Saturday night, Hammex won his debut fight in 49 seconds in the first round via a TKO last year.
Unfazed, coach Tom said they adjusted well on Saturday night, to accommodate Sitoto’s reach advantage.
“We prepared for this fight and everything that we expected from our opponent he brought it. The management team gave Mava this fight to test him. He has the skill, but if you do not have the heart in boxing, you won’t make it. But today he showed me his discipline and his heart,” said coach Tom.
