He might have been stretched by Filipino boxer Orlie Silvestre, but Nhlanhla ‘Mount Kilimanjaro’ Tyirha showed his massive skills and ended up registering his straight fourth win over Pinoy pugilists.
The 23-year-old Tyirha won the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) Intercontinental junior-flyweight title after he beat Silvestre by a unanimous decision at the East London International Convention Centre (ICC) on Sunday.
This was Tyirha’s first fight since he left Xaba Promotions and joined Rumble Africa Promotions (RAP) two months ago.
Silvestre is the fourth Pinoy boxer to have fought against Tyirha in less than two years. The former South African junior-flyweight champion defeated Silvestre’s compatriots Esneth Domingo, Jaysever Abcede and Joey Canoy.
Silvestre was a worthy opponent as he stood firm, especially in the early rounds. However, it was always a matter of time before Tyirha dominated the duel and he did that with aplomb. It was then not surprising when all three judges gave him the nod.
Meanwhile, Siseko Makeleni from Mthatha is the new Eastern Cape lightweight champion after he stopped Makhanda’s Luthando Bokuva in the third round. As expected, Asemahle Wellem from Chintsa defetead Zimbabwean Tinashe Zihove. The reigning SA junior-middleweight champion stopped Zihove in the second round.
Other results:
Awonke Tini defeated Zama Nguza by a second round technical knockout
Yamkela Phaliso beat Bulelani Ngondeka by a sixth round technical knockout
Siphesihle Sityo defeated Ndabezintle Plaatjies by a sixth round technical knockout Hlumelo Gingxana beat Mbuyiseli Ndukwana on points
