SA featherweight champ crowned in Ottery
At the end of round 10 of the thrilling Queen of Africa main bout, Ntombokuqala Tolashe, from Samora Machel, was crowned the Western Cape’s first ever SA women’s boxing champion, at Vibrant Sports, on Friday, August 30.
A former Weltevreden Primary and Zisukhanyo High School pupil, Tolashe beat the former international champion, Matshidiso Mokebisi, from Gauteng, on a points’ decision, to claim the vacant featherweight national belt.
Fighting out of 9Sai Boxing Academy at the Khayelitsha military base, the win for “Desert Flower” moves her professional career to seven wins and four losses. While Mokebisi’s record drops to 18 wins, 13 losses and two draws.
“I trained hard. When I lost the last two attempts for a belt, I wanted to quit, but my manager Welsh Macibela and the people that watched the fights said I must not quit because I will become a champion one day. Today I am a champion because I listened to their wisdom. I am beyond happy,” said Tolashe.
Tolashe made effective adjustments from the first round. Although she didn’t overwhelm Mokebisi with power, her unconventional southpaw stance, sharp jabs, and smart boxing outworked her opponent. She executed her game plan well throughout the fight, returning to her corner after each round with a look of accomplishment.
“At 9Sai, my coaches trained me hard. I told myself when I got this opportunity from Jack Brice I am going to win this belt no matter what,” she said.
“I was running on days when it was raining. I was willing to get fever, running in the rain. To match Matshidiso’s experience, I watched her fights. I knew she had more experience than me and I told her I have my own experience. I used it to win the fight,” said Tolashe.
Meanwhile, Strand-based Amador Kalonji took the title of WBF Africa cruiserweight champion after overpowering Dunoon’s Sandiso Kota via a TKO in round six.
Mfuleni’s Sikelela Xatasi was crowned the new Western Cape junior lightweight champion in style after beating Philippi’s Mava Sitoto via a TKO in round six, pushing his tally to six unbeaten wins.
Mitchell’s Plain’s Shameeg Williams’ made light work of Malibongwe Balakisi with a third round stoppage.
Fighting out of 9SAI, Bonginkosi Nhlapho won in round three of his light heavyweight bout against Katehlo Mabaso. In the bantamweight, Anathi Hela beat Ayanda Gangqa on points after six rounds.
Inkwenkwezi Boxing Gym’s Philani Mfaku, from Dunoon, beat Axolile Gabuza in their professional four-round debuts on Friday night.
Boxing South Africa’s Western Cape manager, Mzoli Tempi praised the event.
“It was a great tournament. Beautiful match-making. Beautiful crowd,” said Tempi.
Promoter Jack Brice said Tolashe assured him during her training camp that she would leave the ring as the new champion on August 30.
“Tolashe is the first ever South African female champion, coming out of Cape Town, to win the featherweight title. I thought she put her soul, her mind and everything on the line. She fought a very experienced fighter that went to Mexico two months ago. I give her all the credit,” said Brice.
