Upcoming boxers exchange blows in Limpopo

World Boxing Association (WBA) Pan African and African Union boxing champion Rofhiwa “War Child” Maemu has defeated Tshifhiwa “Spider” Munyai to win the Limpopo provincial title in the featherweight division.

Maemu knocked-out Munyai in the seventh round to become provincial champion at the Royal Boxing Challenge held on Friday in Sibasa, outside Thohoyandou.

Maemu says he wants strong opponents. He has enhanced his chances of challenging the national title while also improving his winning record from fourteen to fifteen.

“I’m satisfied with how I did this year… the only person I want is Azinga Fuzile, but I want him in a neutral place… I don’t want to fight him in East London, because everything in East London is not fair… so I believe I can beat him,” said Maemu.

Munyai, a former Commonwealth Bantamweight champion has won only one fight out of three since his return from Britain two years ago.

Munyai says he still has bright future in boxing.

“I will sit down with a my team and make a decision from there – but I still think I have a bright future in boxing. I haven’t achieved my dreams. I just have to move up the division.”

Meanwhile “Mr Shy Guy” or “Hitman” as retired world boxing champion Cassius Baloyi is known to fans, exchanged blows with Jeffrey “Mongoose” Mathebula in an exhibition match which ended in a draw.

Baloyi says his wish is to see the exhibition happen every year.

“I think is nice to be back in the ring like this; back at home I think we have to do this every year – like maybe we change opponent, but always, local boxers from Limpopo – maybe next time Philip.”

Mathebula agrees: “Hopefully we will make it almost every 29th of December, just to keep people busy and to make them happy, because boxing in Limpopo is quite big – we are good, I’m old… no more boxing for me, I just want to show off what I have.”

In the other fights, WBF Pan African champion Humbulani Netshamutshedzi has defeated Malawian national, Romeo Nkwankwa by points; Thizwilondi Nempandoni lost to Prince Ndlovu by points, while former Musangwe champion Tshifhiwa “timer” Munyai defeated Thembani Hobyane by points in a rematch fight.