Maemu vows to knock out Siwisa this time around

HARD work and consistency is beginning to pay dividends for Rofhiwa “War Child” Maemu.

The 23-year-old Sowetan, who has always been just another name to make up the numbers in boxing programmes, is now one of the feature fighters. Thanks to his unshakeable determination, his career is taking shape for the better since joining trainer Anton Gilmore in the southern suburbs of Johannesburg last year.

Gilmore, a former professional boxer known as the “Irish Terrier”, has helped Maemu to win the Gauteng featherweight title, which will be at stake against Bongani “Butterfly” Siwisa at the Southern Suburb Recreation Centre on November 6. Promoter Gilmey Masters announced Maemu’s rematch with Siwisa at a news conference in Johannesburg yesterday.

Masters said his 11-bout card would be bankrolled by Hunters Fitment Service Centre and Parts, owned by former middleweight and light heavyweight professional Lionel Hunter.

“I have passion for this sport and it gives me great pleasure to be involved in any way possible,” Hunter said.

“Preparations are going to require hard work and determination so that when the time (of the tournament) comes, you guys (boxers) are ready to give your best,” he said.

Maemu outpointed Siwisa over eight rounds in Germiston in July.

Siwisa, a Johannesburgbased Capetonian, is trained in Gauteng by former professional fighter Michele “The Italian Stallion” Castellan.

Just last month, Maemu left a throng of boxing fans in East London disappointed when he pulverised local boxer Lwandiso Zinto into submission in three rounds at the Orient theatre. It was Maemu’s sixth win against seven losses.

Maemu, who was dismissed as being a hopeless fighter after losing four fights consecutively since his draw over four rounds with Allan Bouwer in 2013, began producing the desired results when he stopped Tumelo Pedi in the 10th round for the Gauteng belt in May.

Pedi collapsed and was taken to Milpark Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a blood clot in the brain.

The 22-year-old youngster, who was trained by Alan Toweel Junior, hung up his gloves, fearing that fighting again could exacerbate the condition.

Said Maemu: “I have found my feet and I am now happy. Everyone who gets to face me must be above their natural potential because I always give 200 percent inside the ring.

“I should have knocked Bongani out in our first fight but I had flu, and I will knock him out this time.” Siwisa did not attend the briefing.

Also to feature in the tournament will be heavyweight fighters Osborne Machimana and Justice Silinga.

Their opponents will be confirmed soon.