By Chris Totobela
Makhanda’s only provincial boxing champion, Bongani ‘King Killer’ Fule, defended his Eastern Cape Featherweight title with a unanimous decision victory over challenger Yamkela Phaliso recently.
The defending champion came to the fight with an impressive record of six fights, six wins and three knockouts.
His opponent, Phaliso, sported a respectable record of eight wins and three losses in 11 fights. Seven of his opponents could not go the distance.
Makhanda’s boxing lovers who had made the trip to Orient Theatre in East London were not disappointed as their hero delivered on the day.
After spending the first two rounds weighing each other up, Fule came back very strongly in the third round and was on the front foot until the last round of the 10-rounder.
All the judges at ringside unanimously gave it to the Makhand fighter.
Speaking to Grocott’s Mail after the fight, Fule was over the moon. “I prepared very hard for this fight, sparring with different people. The judges made it seem easy but it was never easy. Phaliso is a hard puncher and I was always wary of his trade mark blows – a right hook and straight right. I had to close the gap between me and him and took the fight to him, forcing him to make mistakes.”
Fule also gave Grocott’s a glimpse into his future. “I think my manager will let me know within the next couple of days about my next step. I think I will defend my title one more time, just to improve my SA ratings before considering fighting the current national champion.”
He dedicated the victory to his late grandmother who passed on recently and had been the pillar of his strength since he was born.
He also took time to thank a lot of people. “I would like to thank my supporters from all over the country, especially Makhandans, who cheered every punch. I would also like to thank the Tyamzashe Boxing gym, my trainers, Mshu One Boxing management, Sinyabi Boxing Gym, East London’s Gonubie Garage and Africa MX.”
Fule said he would rest for a few days before going back to the gym.
