Upcoming Mbenge fight is sure to produce some real fireworks
Mdantsane-born fighter sets sights on world title shot
given year.
This when the hard hitting Mdantsane boxer won the SA welterweight title after halting defending champion Sean Ness within the distance and then followed that up with a convincing points win over Filipino Jayar Inson to take his record to 11 wins in as many fights.
And on September 9 Mbenge will make the maiden defence of his crown when he takes on fellow Eastern Cape boxer Mziwoxolo Ndwayana at Emperors Palace.
While he has knocked out all but one of his opponents, Mbenge will probably be taking a step in class against the Grahamstown boxer who appeared to hold his own when he first challenged for the title only to succumb within the distance to then champion Tsiko Mulovhedzi. him four fights alone this
The bout will pit two hard hitting boxers against each other although Mbenge has an edge in the power department as well as technique.
But if there is one thing about Ndwayana is that he is one of the boxers who is prepared to go down swinging rather than simply be content to lose on points.
His other defeat was by a stoppage against middleweight Johannes Salie although there is a question mark on the discrepancy of their weights.
Berman is already plotting Mbenge’s march to world title honours saying if the amiable boxer prevails against Ndwayana he will engage in another international bout to improve his world ratings.
“I have tremendous confidence in Mbenge and I think he is a star in the making,” he said.
“The boy oozes charisma which will make him a star. This is why we are keeping him active.”
Indeed Mbenge’s activity is contrary to other Berman-promoted boxers such as Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni who had to leave the stable due to lack of fights.
While Ndongeni has been crying out for fights, Mbenge has been getting them in abundance, keeping a busy schedule as he climbs up the ratings.
After beating Inson he is expected to get a top 15 rating in the WBO and from there it will be a matter of time before he moves to the title mix. But try telling that to Ndwayana who knows that the opportunity may be his last to lay his hands on some piece of silverware.
Ndwayana was understandably overawed in his first title challenge against Mulovhedzi as he fought as if he was fight.
His lack of experience in competing for a national title was evident as he did not relax in the fight and ended up expending all his energy within the first five rounds.
By the time Mulovhedzi fought back, Ndwayana was already winded resulting to a stoppage defeat in seven rounds.
Since the defeat he has rebounded to winning ways with three impressive victories including a stoppage win over former title challenger Anelisa Gungqisa in his last bout to capture the WBF International title and to take his fight record to 15 wins, two losses and two draws.
Whatever the outcome, expect the bout to produce fireworks with a knockout a likely outcome. — Boxing Mecca engaging in a six rounds