Tshifhiwa Munyai from Makwarela Township is the new provincial bantamweight champion. His crowning came after he convincingly beat Nkosinathi Tshinavhe on points during a tournament that was staged by Tshiawelo Boxing Promotions at the Makhado Multi-Purpose Centre on Saturday.

Munyai was all over Tshinavhe from the start and the latter was lucky not to be defeated by a technical knockout. The only time when Tshinavhe took the fight to his opponent was in the fourth round, when he managed to push Munyai into the corner.

Sakaria Mudau, who was the people’s favourite, caused an upset when he allowed his opponent, Malusi Bongco from the Eastern Cape, to collect more points at his expense. Their bantamweight fight lasted over six rounds. Another local boxer whose performance was by far below par was Phathutshedzo Dongola. Dongola suffered his first defeat, when the referee stopped his fight against Albert Nchabi from Gauteng in the sixth and final round. At that stage, Dongola was running around like a headless chicken, with Nchabi throwing killer punches from all angles.

Balanganani Ndou was beaten with a TKO by Zephonia Ntsokolo from Gauteng. Their fight ended in the third round. The other fight that ended in the third round was between Tendani Munyai and Avhaathu Muleka. The referee had no option but to stop the fight to save Muleka’s life.

Norman Tshisikhawe crushed Lovelace Zwane in their lightweight fight, while Joseph Mondise was too strong for his opponent, Mbulelo Transvaal from the Gauteng Province. In the opening fight that lasted over four rounds, Pfariso Neluvhalani beat Pmumudzo Mathaulula on points.