Tshifhiwa ‘Atomic Spider’ Munyai successfully defended his South African lightweight title at the Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, on Friday evening.
Munyai defeated Aphiwe Boyiya by a split decision after two judges gave it 114-113 and 114-116 for him while the third saw Boyiya, who dropped the champion in the third round, winning by 113-116.
The 36-year-old Munyai, who is originally from Makwarela in Limpopo, has now defended his crown three times in less than a year.
On the other hand, the loss meant that Boyiya, a former SA featherweight and junior-lightweight champion, failed in his bid to become a three-weight division national titlist.
Munyai has improved his record to 35 wins with 20 stoppages, six losses and draw while Boyiya dropped to 17 victories (eight knockouts), five defeats and one draw.
Meanwhile, Thato Bonokoane retained his World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental junior-featherweight title after he beat Innocent Mantengu by a unanimous decision in the main supporting bout.
