Get ready for some smash hits

Boxing punters are in for a treat on Saturday when no less than eight bouts will be staged at the Turffontein Racecourse starting at 13:00 in a Boxing 5 Promotions tournament.

One of the main attractions will undoubtedly be the WBF international women bantamweight title fight between Ellen Simwaka and Simangele Hadebe.

Simwaka’s trainer, Rocky Wainstein, is optimistic that his charge will be rewarded with the title.

“Ellen only recently joined my stable,” said Wainstein. “I’ve only been able to work with her for about three months, but the progress she has made in this time is tremendous.”

It will be the third fight between Simwaka and Hadebe, with Hadebe winning the first – in what is regarded as a controversial points decision – and the second fight ending in a draw.

“Hopefully it will be third time lucky for Ellen.

“From what I hear, she was very unfortunate not to have been awarded the first fight. She sees Saturday’s encounter as an opportunity to once and for all prove that she is the best.”

Hadebe has only lost once in seven outings – against Bukiwe Nonina – back in October 2016.

In the main bout, Ludumo Lamati takes on Saidi Chino. Lamati is the current IBF, Africa Union and SA junior featherweight title holder.

According to Wainstein a lot is expected of Lamati and his clash with Chino should generate some fireworks. The full card is: Bantamweight 4 rounds: Abel Ndava vs Mandla Simanga

Welterweight 4 rounds: Fara- day Mukandila vs Alex Thobela

Welterweight 4 rounds: Sheldon Schults vs Dennis Mbat

Junior Featherweight 6 rounds: Asiphe Ntshili vs Romeo Makwakwa

Junior lightweight 6 rounds: Paul Mangxilana vs Sifiso Hlongwane

Women Bantamweight 8 rounds: Ellen Simwaka vs Simangele Hadebe

Junior middleweight 8 rounds: Erick Mukadi vs John Bopape

Junior featherweight 10 rounds: Ladumo “9mm” Lamati vs Saidi Chino

The last five bouts on the card form Saturday’s Fight 5 pool.