Mpumelelo Tshabalala is the new International Boxing Organisation (IBO) junior-flyweight champion after he defeated Argentine boxer Junior Zarate at Vodaworld in Midrand after midnight.
Two judges – Lulama Mtya (112-115) and Patrick Mukondiwa (112-115) had Tshabalala winning the fight while Zarate won by 116-111 on John Shipanuka’s score card.
It has to be said that the Argentine did very well during the fight and the outcome came as a shock. Zarate decked Tshabalala with a straight right to the chin in the sixth round.
Zarate was very busy throughout the fight while Tshabalala was brilliant in patches as he couldn’t dish out the performances that he’s known for. However, Tshabalala from Katlehong in Ekurhuleni will be happy to have the IBO belt.
