Ntshengedzeni “Huggerboy” Netshivhera’s enthusiastic fans left the Thohoyandou Indoor Centre disappointed on Saturday night, after their favourite boxer lost to his opponent in a contest that lasted for only one round and two minutes.

It was clear from the onset that it was a total mismatch, as Netshivhera was knocked down in the first round. The referee counted to eight, before Netshivhera was allowed to continue. Things turned against him when his opponent, Kenneth Hlayisi, pushed him back into the corner with his heavy punches.

Netshivhera’s coach had to throw in the towel to save his life, which was evidently in danger.

In the other fights, Mbulaheni Mudau beat James Kobe by a TKO in the first round. The referee, Mrs Sylvia Maphangule, stopped the fight between Masilo Mahosi and Phatheleni Mphaphuli in the 2nd round. At that stage, Mphaphuli was all over Mahosi.

The lightweight fight between David Tshabalala from Gauteng and Tshifhiwa, both of local stables, which was scheduled over four rounds, ended in the second round. The fight was stopped one minute into the second round, as Tshabalala could not absorb the heat from his opponent.

The first fight that lasted the full duration was between Tumelo Mabusha and Joseph Mondise from Gauteng. Mondise won the fight on points, but it was a thriller from the start to the bitter end.

Norman Tshisikhawe beat Evans Mamaleka in the 4th round of the fight, that was scheduled over six rounds. The fight was stopped by the referee, Mrs Sylvia Maphangule, after Mamaleka was knocked down.

In the main bout, Avhashoni Mbedzi lost to Thabo Mashishi. Although Mbedzi was looking strong in most rounds, he was hampered the deduction of points from his score for technical reasons.