The South African junior-featherweight title has returned to the Eastern Cape after Siyabulela Hem from East London outpointed Bongani Mahlangu at Vodaworld in Midrand on Saturday evening.
All three judges – Cyprial Ndaba (113-115), Tony Nyangiwe (112-116) and Duduzile Dlamini (113-116) gave Hem the nod even though it looked like Mahlangu had done enough to win the contest.
The 45-year-old Mahlangu from Boipatong in the Vaal won the SA title after he stopped then champion and Duncan Village-born Ayabonga Sonjica at the Orient Theatre in East London in July 2022.
Meanwhile, lanky Khaya Busakwe successfully defended his SA lightweight title with a 10th round stoppage win over Sinethemba Blom.
On the other hand, Landile Ngxeke stopped Filipino boxer Genisis Libranza in the fifth round to win the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Intercontinental bantamweight title.
Another result:
Lindokuhle Khuzwayo beat Lucky Hobyane on points
