Sabelo Ndwandwe claims the IBO All Africa Featherweight Title as Aquila Boxing Promotions wraps up a sold-out night of boxing.
A new champion was crowned on Saturday night as Aquila Boxing Promotions’ Knockout Chaos 2 brought eight fights, a sold-out crowd and plenty of action to Johannesburg.
At the top of the card, main fight, Sabelo Ndwandwe and Lindo Khuzwayo went the full 10 rounds for the IBO All Africa Featherweight Title, producing a closely fought main event that went all the way to the judges’ scorecards.
Ndwandwe ultimately got the decision, becoming the new IBO All Africa Featherweight Champion after a split decision brought the night to a dramatic close.
But there was recognition for both men.
Following the fight, Aquila Boxing Promotions promoter Kevin Lerena awarded Ndwandwe and Khuzwayo R20,000 each in performance bonuses after what proved to be one of the standout contests of the evening.
For Lerena, it was the kind of fight that represents what he wants Knockout Chaos to become: a stage for competitive South African boxing where fighters are given the opportunity to put on a show and are rewarded when they do.
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ACTION FROM THE OPENING BELL
The evening got underway with Matthew Petersen taking the win over Tshegofatso Matlala in their four-round Middleweight contest.
Tumelo Mapahlele followed with victory over Luke Hendrikz across six rounds at Featherweight, before Simnikiwe Bongco defeated veteran Denis Mwale in their four-round Super Welterweight bout.
Liam Fox got the better of Dino Malajika in their four-round Catchweight contest, while Gary van Staden took the win over Nicolas Kasongo Nzengu after six rounds at Super Middleweight.
Kaine Fourie defeated Faraday Mukandile in their six-round Welterweight contest, before experienced campaigners Jackson Chauke and Gideon Buthelezi met over six rounds at Junior Bantamweight, with Chauke ultimately taking the victory.
That set the stage for the main event and the IBO All Africa Featherweight Title, with Ndwandwe and Khuzwayo closing out the card with 10 hard-fought rounds.
