Gandaganda and Junior look for hat-trick wins

EMPANGENI Boxing Gym brawlers, Simiso ‘Gandaganda’ Buthelezi (22) and Mduduzi ‘Junior’ Mzimela (24), are seeking a hat-trick of amateur fight wins when they step into the ring at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday, 20 December.

Both fighters, training under coach Skeleton Mngomezulu for the past two years, are unbeaten after two encounters each.

Simiso, who fights in the lightweight division, has one knockout and one points’ win under the belt; with junior featherweight division campaigner Mduduzi boasting a similar record.

‘I’m happy with our preparations,’ said Mngomezulu. ‘We analysed footage of both opponents, broke down their weaknesses and came up with strategies to pick up a double win.

‘Both fighters are in peak physical condition and mentally prepared for the fights. All they need to do now is meet the necessary weight cuts and deliver the goods.’

Simiso, a second year BSc Zoology student at the University of Zululand, will take on Johannesburg’s Themba Hadebe in a six-round bout.

‘I feel prepared. I am known as a hard hitter with hands of stone, so I will use my strengths to my advantage,’ said the student.

Mduduzi, who works as a mechanic, will square off against Johannesburg’s Mokoena Nkopane in another six-round bout.

‘I am a strategic fighter who can pack a punch. So I will sum up my opponent in the first round and then attack from there,’ he said.

The event, organised by Tono Boxing Promotions, will build up the fighters’ momentum going into their next bouts in February.