Grudge fight headed to QwaQwa
Apanu hopes to avenge WBF loss
Congo international Stanis Apanu will need nerves of steel to deal with the noise from the boxing fans in QwaQwa on Saturday evening.
Apanu – who fights out of the Durandt Boxing Gym of Damian Durandt in Linksfield, Johannesburg, – will be in the Free State seeking to avenge his defeat at the hands of Frans Ramabolu in Polokwane, when they fought for the WBF international junior middleweight belt in 2015.
Ramabolu, who grew up in QwaQwa but is from Virginia, Free State, and Apanu will headline an eight-bout card staged by Lebo Mahoko’s Dream Team Promotions at Multipurpose Hall in Phuthaditjhaba.
The grudge fight will also be over 10 rounds as it was the case with the first clash. Ramabolu who is trained in Johannesburg by Vusi Mtolo - will enjoy territorial advantage.
Said Ramabolu: “Apanu is tough and very strong but those attributes will not help him. If he does not run around the ring and trade leather with me, he will get knocked out.”
Ramabolu paid tribute to Nkululeko Mhlongo, Xolisani Ndongeni, Warren Joubert and Sean Ness for giving him quality sparring.
Interestingly, Ramobolu has lost twice to Mhlongo for the South African and WBF InterContinental belts.
Ramabolu is currently rated No 6 for Mhlongo’s SA belt.
Mtolo said: “Dark or blue Frans will win again. Stanis may kiss the canvas.”
Mahoko has included a female fight – in his eight bout card – between 2016 prospect of the year Melissa “Honeybee” Miller and Sandisiwe Gxogxo. Action will start at 7.30pm.