Classy Lamati puts the cherry on the title cake
LUDUMO Lamati completed a hattrick of former Nick Durandt boxers to win a crucial bout just before the trainer’s funeral.
This when the deceptive cheeseboylooking boxer dethroned favoured Bongani Mahlangu for the SA juniorfeatherweight title at the Orient Theatre at the weekend.
There had been varying views on Lamati’s readiness to take someone as tough as Mahlangu, who had built a reputation of beating up East London boxers.
But the 24-year-old gritted out a tough decision in a fight which at times deteriorated into a mauling contest due to the rugged style of Mahlangu.
But Lamati gave out as much as he got as he wobbled Mahlangu several times, but the Boipatong-based former champion refused to go down, although one of his falls should have been called a knockdown.
With the venue reverberating in deafening screams as Lamati commanded the bigger chunk of supporters, the boxer went down to work as he befuddled Mahlangu and at times made him look his 38 years of age.
By winning the fight Lamati, who had Durandt’s close friend Rocky Waistein in his corner, completed the trio of former Durandt boxers to win their big fights.
Mdantsane boxer Zolani Tete, who cheered on Lamati, was the first when he won the WBO world bantamweight crown in England a fortnight ago.
Then it was Moruthi Mthalane when he sensationally knocked out tough Filipino Genesis Lebranza to retain his IBO flyweight crown at the Wembley Arena in Johannesburg on Friday.
Lamati completed the rout by dethroning Mahlangu.
Interestingly the trio Tete, Mthalane and Lamati all trained and sparred together to prepare for their big bouts.
Lamati could not conceal his delight after all the judges handed him the title by scores of 118-112, 116-113 and 118-110.
The win stretched his fight record to 12 bouts and a draw while Mahlangu lost for the first time in three years.
After the bell had ended the fight, Lamati leapt into the ropes to celebrate the win, while Mahlangu slowly went back to his corner aware that his reign had ended in dramatic fashion.
Xaba Promotions and Events (XPE) which organised the blockbuster tournament saluted the two boxers for putting forth a memorable battle which swung back and forth throughout the 12 rounds.
“It was indeed gratifying to organise such a bout for the fans who came in their numbers,” said XPE boss Ayanda Matiti.
“In fact all the bouts did not disappoint and we are also happy about Mcotheli’s win.”
Mcotheli rallied to stop Flint Mdletshe to take the vacant SA juniorwelterweight crown in the co-feature.
Matiti said Lamati would be steered towards a world title and would be back soon.
“The future is bright for Lamati and I think he is one of the country’s future world champions.”