Champion Tolashe leads Khayelitsha boxing talent in Women's Series triumph

SA Featherweight champion Ntomboqala Tolashe headlined the Women in Boxing series when she took on Matshidiso Mokebisi in an eight-round non-title rematch on Friday night at the Wynberg Military Base.

Tolashe once again emerged victorious, having already beaten Mokebisi in their first encounter when they fought for the national title.

The 9Sai Boxing Club pugilist recorded her eighth win in 13 bouts, bouncing back impressively from the ten-round decision loss she suffered at the end of last year in Seoul. That fight was her first time competing outside of South Africa, and she held her own against knockout specialist and world title challenger Bo Mi Re Shin in her backyard in Japan.

Though she didn't get the win, Tolashe gained valuable experience and respect.

Tolashe is the first female boxer from the Western Cape to have captured the South African title, and her recent performances have only strengthened her reputation. She is already on the radar for another international bout, with a West African opportunity currently being discussed. While the details are still being finalised, her promoter Jackie Brice is confident that her next outing will be beyond South African borders.

Friday’s event was part of the Women in Boxing series and featured five women’s bouts. One of the standouts of the night was the talented Sibulele Soboois, who earned her third win of the year and the fourth of her professional career. She outpointed Zizo Skoti over six rounds, showing maturity beyond her experience.

Despite being relatively new in the pro ranks, Soboois displayed control, ring intelligence, and composure throughout the contest. Her ability to manage the pace and distance of the fight makes her one to keep a close eye on. If she continues this form, a title opportunity could be around the corner.

Another promising name on the card was Likho Nxele, who, like Soboois, has a solid amateur background and fights under the same management. She was making just her second professional appearance and fought to a competitive draw against Noxolo Magagula after six rounds of action-packed exchanges. Nxele impressed in her second outing, and the crowd responded to the intensity she brought to the ring.

Elsewhere on the card, Olwethu Mkhathala secured a comfortable points win over Emma Mohono in their six-rounder, while Sonelo Mbombo added a stoppage win to her record by halting Rethabile Tshepe inside the distance.