Buthelezi quickly downs Jimenez

SOUTH Africa’s Gideon Buthelezi produced one of the best performance of his career when he smashed Adrian Jimenez from Mexico to defeat after 115 seconds into the first round, to retain his IBO junior-bantamweight belt for the fifth time, at the International Convention Centre in East London over the weekend.

Buthelezi (22-5), who was having his first fight in a year came out fast at the opening bell and took the fight to Jimenez (13-2-2) as the Mexican was warned by the referee for hitting on the break.

However, soon afterwards Buthelezi, fighting from the southpaw stance continued to attack, scoring with stinging rights and lefts to the head as he drove Jimenez back against the ropes to land a left hook to the jaw that sent the Mexican flat on his back where referee Deon Duarte stepped in immediately to wave the fight off at 1 minute 15 seconds into the round.

Jimenez, who is listed at No 28 by the IBO, and his corner complained about the stoppage but he was in no condition to continue.

Recently there have been two deaths in the ring and Duarte was 100 percent right to stop the fight.

In the main supporting bout, Yanga Sigqibo from Mdantsane gave an outstanding exhibition of scientific boxing to retain his WBO Intercontinental junior bantamweight title with a wide 12 round points win over Filipino Ambo in a completely one-sided bout.

The clash for the vacant WBO Global junior-flyweight title between Nkosinathi Joyi and Siphamandla Baleni ended in a controversial third round technically draw, when Joyi injured his left arm and was unable to continue.