“I will outclass the Mexican” - Tsiko

The Vhembe boxer, Tsiko “Cruel junior” Mulovhedzi, is adamant that he will outclass Jesus Gurrola of Mexico during their fight in Seshego tonight (Friday). Tsiko is the current IBO Welterweight World title holder.

In Mulovhedzi’s previous match he beat Ali “Rush Hour” Funeka. This was a five-round IBO welterweight fight. Friday night’s fight is expected to be a humdinger and may go the full 10 rounds.

Tsiko said he would use the fight as a springboard for a national title fight that would take place soon. “I am ready. I am fit physically and emotionally, and with the support coupled with the training, there is no way my opponent can beat me. I promise to floor him within seven rounds.”

Ten bouts will take place during the tournament. Four of the Vhembe boxers who will be trying their luck in the tournament are Tendani Munyai, Thizwilondi Nempandoni, Tshifhiwa “Tyma” Munyai and Norman Tshisikhawe.

Gideon “Hardcore” Buthelezi and the Argentinean-born Diego Luis Picherdo will be the first to enter the ring in a fight for the IBO Junior Bantamweight title. Their fight is scheduled over 10 rounds. It will be followed by the WBA Junior Lightweight title fight between the province’s very own Malcom Klassen and Leonilo Ruiz Miranda from Mexico.

Bongani Silila and Japhet Uutoni from Namibia will exchange blows in a WBO Junior Flyweight clash. In an IBF Featherweight clash, Sydney Maluleke will fight against Prince Ndlovu.

The provincial fight will be between former musangwe boxer Tshifhiwa “Tyma” Munyai, who will test his strength against the on-form Norman “Phangaman” Tshisikwane. Tshisikhawe said his opponent was not a closed book to them. “I witnessed when he lost the fight last year. I’m ready for him and this fight will pave us a route to contest internationally. I need more national fights,” he said.

Tshifhiwa Munyai said that he had trained hard and promised his followers that he was going to beat Tshisikhawe.

In the last fight of the night, Balanganani Ndou and Tendani Munyai will vie for the provincial Junior Featherweight title.

Promoter Phathutshedzo Dongola promised that the fights would produce maximum entertainment. “Limpopo has an abundance of talent when it comes to boxing. We must nurture and promote them to achieve greater heights, so that we can galvanise the future of boxing. In Limpopo, we have very few champions, so let’s support them and raise the flag high,” Dongola said.

The boxing match will take place at the Ngoako Ramatlhodi Sports Arena in Seshego, outside Polokwane. The tournament will be televised on SABC2 TV at 21:30 and will also be broadcast on SABC’s radio stations. The tournament will start at 19:30. Tickets cost R150 per person.

Sport - Date: 29 April 2016

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

Email: [email protected]