A boxing bout in Grahamstown had to be stopped and a boxer taken to hospital with a broken jaw, in an otherwise successful tournament last weekend which saw the town's first provincial title-holder crowned.
Two local professional boxers from Grahamstown, Mzoxolo Ndwayana and Masonwabe Mgcuwe, won their battles during the Nyusa boxing tournament here on Saturday.
A boxing bout in Grahamstown had to be stopped and a boxer taken to hospital with a broken jaw, in an otherwise successful tournament last weekend which saw the town's first provincial title-holder crowned.
Two local professional boxers from Grahamstown, Mzoxolo Ndwayana and Masonwabe Mgcuwe, won their battles during the Nyusa boxing tournament here on Saturday.
It was run in conjunction with Makana Municipality and councillors were among those who packed Noluthando Hall, in Nompondo Street, for the big event, along with promoters, boxing officials and boxers from South Africa's nine provinces.
In a provincial title bid, left-handed Mzoxolo "Kid Chitha Ibhunga" Ndwayana fought 10 rounds against Jongikhaya Leve.
Ndwayana had an attacking match, controlling the fight and counter-punching in all rounds. He won the fight on points in round 10, and the title of Eastern Cape welterweight champion.
After the fight, Ndwayana told Grocott's Mail that he knew that the title would come to Grahamstown. Winning over the crowd with his stylish fighting, Ndwayana said, "I want to achieve the dream of my father, Bulelani Ndwayana, by bringing the SA tittle to Grahamstown.
Junior Bantamweight professional Masonwabe "Talayo" Mgcuwe earlier fought six rounds with Nkululeko Janjies in a professional league bout.
Mgcuwe made it clear in the first round that Janjies wouldn't finish the fight, controlling it with jabs and upper cuts and indeed he won with a knockout in round two, bringing him a small step closer to title contention.
Makana Mayor Zamuxolo Peter was overwhelmed by the star performances of the local boxers. "I can not explain how I am feeling about the Grahamstown boxers. They made me proud," said Peter.
He said the sport would always thrive because it had a large number of supporters. He urge Grahamstown to get behind the sport.
Nyusa boxing promoter, Mbulelo Mfama, couldn't contain his excitement, telling Grocott's Mail that the title proved the high quality of Makana boxing.
"This is the first tittle Grahamstown boxers have brought home and it won't be the last," said Mfama, referring to Ndwayana's new status as provincial welterweight champion. He said Ndwayana would be defending the title on 20 November. He concluded by thanking the Makana Municipality for giving their backing to the tournament.
A six-round bout was stopped in round four when Port Elizabeth boxer Athenkosi Madlilane's jaw was broken in a fight against Uitenhage boxer Unathi Yolani. Madlilane was taken to Settlers' Hospital.
