Cape Town-based boxer Thembani ‘Baby Jake’ Mbangatha from Qumbu in the Eastern Cape strongly believes that next month’s fight against former South African title contender Abdul-Aziz Kunert is long overdue.
Mbangatha, who works as a policeman in Cape Town, comes up against Kunert in a fight which will determine who’s the best boxer between the two on Saturday, 29 June.
“First of all, I appreciate the opportunity, the fact that it is really happening. I’m glad, I’m happy. This fight means a lot, not only to us boxers specifically, but to the Western Cape. This fight has long been outstanding since 2020,” Mbangatha said.
Both Mbangatha and Kunert have had opportunities to become South African champions, however, their efforts failed. Mbangatha lost to Asanda Gingqi in an SA junior-lightweight title contest in East London last December.
On the other hand, Kunert had two cracks at the SA featherweight title. He lost to Gingqi in Johannesburg in September 2021 and drew with reigning champion Zolisa Batyi in Belville, Cape Town, last August.
“We went our separate ways. We got opportunities. Finally, this is the time. I promise it’s gonna be a cracker of a fight. This is the time I prove that I’m the best in the Western Cape in the division,” Mbangatha remarked. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
