SIMPLY A KNOCKOUT
Tyirha steps up to plate in style
The future looks bright for the Xaba Promotions foursome after scoring resounding wins at the weekend.
This was revealed by the promotions after all their featured boxers in their tournament produced their best performances to date.
The victories included the equalling of an old record which had stood for 69 years when Ntlantla Tyirha won the national title in only his fourth professional fight.
This when he knocked out defending South Africa juniorflyweight champion Bongani Silila in three rounds to equal Vic Toweel’s record.
“We are delighted to provide the platform for the equalling of such an old fight record, XP boss Ayanda Matiti said.
“Without bringing race into this but it is gratifying when at least a local fighter is now the holder of the fight record.”
Toweel went on to win the world title and cement his place as the best ever local boxer to grace a boxing ring.
Matiti is confident that 19year-old Tyirha will follow suit.
“We have a star in the making in Tyirha and we will steer him to big things.”
Besides the achievement of the NU7 Mdantsane-born boxer, his promotional stablemates Yanga Sigqibo, Athi Dumezweni and Marios Matamba also left lasting performances.
Sigqibi defied the odds when he outscored world-rated Nicaraguan Keyvin Lara to boost his chances of challenging for a major world title.
Already rated eighth by the IBF, Sigqibo, 24, is also expected to catapult to lofty standings in the WBO giving his management a pleasant headache about his world title route.
Despite campaigning in the same division with Dumezweni who busted up Mexican Ulises Lara and brutally ended his dominance of local boxers, XP ruled out a possible fight between the duo.
“They will go their separate ways and the manner in which Dumezweni handled Lara who is also highly rated means he will also break through the ratings.”
Since Dumezweni moved to Johannesburg to join Damean Durandt, he has improved dramatically.
He now puts power on his punches while using brilliant angles to outwit his foes.
His confidence level is at its highest.
Matiti sees big things for the Mthatha-born southpaw.
“Dumezweni will be the next big thing from Mthatha, mark my words.”
Matamba, who stopped weight confused Siseko Makeleni in four rounds of their WBO Africa junior-welterweight title clash, is also on course to be unleashed against the best in the world.
Mdantsane hero Nkosinathi “Mabhere” Joyi was another good performer at the show when he stopped previously unbeaten and top-rated Mpho Seforo to win the WBO Africa junior-flyweight crown.
By winning the fight, Joyi who is not contracted to XP is expected to jump to the top spot for Tyirha’s title.
It is gratifying when a local fighter is now the holder of the fight record