Metro-funded bouts debut today
Two-day menu of fights will see sparks fly
THE first batch of Buffalo City Metro-funded boxing tournaments kick off this weekend, with two shows scheduled for Needs Camp and the Mdantsane Indoor Centre.
At Needs Camp, veteran promoter Chris Pondo makes a long-awaited return to boxing promotion after a lengthy absence, following his differences with Premier Boxing League (PBL) owner Dicky Ngqula over the sharing of funds.
Then trading under Masizakhe Promotions, Pondo has now re-branded his outfit as Pondo Magongo Sport.
“We are happy to return to the ring and do what we have always been doing throughout the years,” said Pondo.
The outfit will be put to the test when it organises the return of former SA junior bantamweight champion Unathi Gqokoma, of Duncan Village, in a junior featherweight bout against Mthathaborn Luthando Mbumbulwana this afternoon.
The pair will be doing it again after Gqokoma escaped with a points win in their previous clash.
Since then, the dexterous Duncan Village boxer’s winning ways ended when he was stopped by Bongani Mahlangu in a SA junior featherweight title challenge.
Mbumbulwana, a left-hander from Mthatha, had a bright start in the paid ranks when he racked a seven bout winning streak – including an impressive stoppage win over current SA junior bantamweight champion Lindile Tshemese.
But the wheels came off when he lost a lop-sided decision to Mahlangu’s predecessor Siviwe Hasheni and since then he has won just twice in six bouts.
There will be six other bouts on the card starting at 2pm, with a mere R50 entry.
Tomorrow, the battle will shift to the Mdantsane Indoor Centre, where Pondo’s close friend Champion Bakubaku also returns with a new promotion outfit – Champ & Son Promotions.
Previously trading under Champion Promotions, Bakubaku has now partnered with X and Sakhisizwe Promotions of Xolani Jamani and Max Mabhuti to present an Eastern Cape lightweight title clash between Mandilakhe Sontlaba and Sinovuyo Tayiy.
Sontlaba was once hailed as an heir to the late Ludumo Galada, when he made his professional debut in Galada’s featherweight division.
This scribe recalls Galada’s promoter Siphatho Handi punting Sontlaba as the next big thing.
However, it did not pan out that way as the left-hander suffered a series of defeats that relegated him into a journeyman status.
Moving up divisions did not help either, especially as he has at times fought as high as the junior welterweight.
If he loses to Tayi he may be considered as a neverbeen. The card will also see a crossroads fight between Morris Lento and Zola Charlie in the bantamweight division. Six other bouts will complete the bill, which costs only R50 to watch.