V12 draws strength from Tata
THE ‘‘Madiba Magic” continues to live on even after former president Nelson Mandela’s passing on Thursday night.
That certainly seems the case after Simpiwe ‘‘V12” Vetyeka defied the odds to become the first South African boxer to unify world titles following his historic win over Chris ‘‘The Dragon” John at Metro City, Northbridge, Western Australia, on Friday night.
The IBO featherweight champion from Duncan Village, near East London, added the WBA Super belt to his collection when he ended John’s long-running reign as champion with a stoppage in the sixth round.
John had been champion since 2004, but the South African ended his undefeated 53-fight streak against all expectations.
Immediately after achieving the feat Vetyeka said: ‘‘This win is for my father Nelson Mandela and my country. We are here today all because of his sacrifices.
“We all draw strength from Madiba. His magic has done wonders for our country and we hope it stays with us forever.
‘‘I want to thank God for this victory, really, also to thank my team, trainers and managers; yes, I knew John was good but remember that I made it clear before leaving for Australia that I will come back with two world titles.”
When Vetyeka’s manager, Andile Sdinile, confirmed the fight against John it had seemed a tall order. But the talented — yet underrated — fighter defied the odds and pummeled John to submission in six rounds.
Vetyeka dropped John with a chopping over-arm right to the head in round five, but that blow was ruled an unofficial one by referee Gustavo Padilla from Panama.
Sensing injury to his opponent, Vetyeka pressed into action in round six, dropping John with swift combinations. Only pride saw John get up and he was saved by the bell.
A visibly beaten boxer, John stumbled to his corner like a drunk cowboy. While still sitting on his stool he re- tired, enabling Vetyeka to better his knockout number to 16, with 26 wins against two defeats.
Sdinile said nobody believed him when he warned that Vetyeka would be a dual world champion.
‘‘What better way to wipe away the tears of our people back home after the sad loss of Rolihlahla Mandela,” said Sdinile.
In the main undercard, Sipho Taliwe gave away the fight, against IBO lightweight champion Daud Cino Yordan. Taliwe had the champion at his mercy more than once, but instead of finishing him Taliwe clowned around.
That did not go down very well with trainer Bernie Pailman, who was overheard screaming at his charge.
Taliwe, who got cocky after tagging Yordan with some beautiful head and body blows, impressed judge Garry Igraham, who voted him the winner with 114-113 points. However, the other two judges, Kriangsak Thonghong and Adam Height, scored the bout 117-110 and 116-111 in favour of Yordan who won on a split decision.