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The boxers of the Bloemfontein-based Devil’s Boxing Club struck strategic blows to their opponents as they bagged the biggest share of the medals on offer at the cadet tournament held at the Bochabela Boxing Arena in Bloemfontein on 20 April.
They walked away with nine medals, with their counterparts sharing those remaining amongst themselves.
Sanctioned by the South African National Boxing Organisation (Sanabo) in the Free State, the one-day, action-packed tournament brought the arena to life with enthusiastic fans clapping and cheering on their favourites.
Of the 30 possible bouts, 23 materialised while seven were cancelled due to the unavailability of opponents and unsuitable conditions in the boxing ring due to thick fog at night.
The fighters of the hosting stable, the Devil’s Boxing Club, exploited their home turf advantage to plot against the opponents of the nine opposing stables. These are the following clubs: Smiling Tiger, Armstrong, Pro Star, Skhokho, Rocky, Wolves, Elimthan, Small Giants and Meloding. Sata Sports Promotions was also involved.
The hosting club’s rampage form saw the club’s only female fighter, Sebina Lekhelebane (17), take home the prestigious accolade of the tournament in this class, crediting her sterling performance. She slugged it out toe-to-toe against an equally talented and determined opponent, Botle Thabatha (23), of the Skhokho Boxing Club. The gutsy, pint-sized teenager was declared the winner on a split decision after a gruelling three-rounder bout.
Fighting in the 54 kg weight class, the two females captivated enthusiastic fans, displaying remarkable boxing skills that some of their male counterparts appeared to be lacking.
The other female contest, in the 36 kg class, between Lerato Maziza (Pro Star) and Mamello Tsolo (Small Giants), saw the latter take home the medal, also through a split decision.
Tsolo (red) exchanging blows with Masiza under the watch of ring official Seate
Another bout that captivated fans was the U13 contest between two boys with contrasting heights, Katleho Ntlatseng (Small Giants) and Lehlohonolo Matlakala (Devil’s).
The budding stars showcased their boxing prowess, much to the delight of the fans.
Despite being briefly knocked down after losing his balance, the stocky Katleho proved lionhearted, as he went the full distance of three rounds, forcing his opponent to retreat. He narrowly lost on a split decision, instead of unanimously on the judges’ scorecards.
Ntlatseng (black/white) trading blows with Matlakala under watchful eyes of referee Lebogang Seate
In the men’s category, Danie Neethling was voted the best boxer of the tournament.
The boxers who won medals for their stables are: Oratile Molelekoa, Obakeng Molelekoa, Lekhelebane, Matlakala, Kgotso Nthama, Mpho Tshepe, Pule Moloke, Lehloholono Mootsi and Khumo Ditshidi (all of Devil’s); Thato Tladi, Lehlohono Makae, Neethling (Skhokho); and Ofentse Toolo (Small Giants).
- See the video on BloemExpress’ Facebook page.
