Thinumzi Gqola wrote his name into the history books as he dethroned Mthokozisi Ngxaka at the Portuguese Hall in Turffontein, Johannesburg, on Sunday evening.
Led by his trainer Ncedo Cecane, Gqola made it clear from the first gong that he was in the fight to win the belt and it was then no wonder that in the end he was declared the new South African minimumweight champion.
This is a remarkable feat for someone who was not even rated six months ago. After being inactive since March 2023, Gqola barged into the ratings following a first round stoppage of Malakhi Sobolo in March this year.
And he showed more hunger during the clash as he took the fight to Ngxaka, surprisingly not the same boxer who was on top of his game when he won the title almost five months ago.
Meanwhile, after being inactive for more than four years, Luyanda ‘Pretty Boy’ Ntwanambe came back with a bang as he stopped Rofhiwa Maphupha in the second round.
And former SA junior-bantamweight champion Lwando Mgabi defeated Ayanda Gangqa by a third round technical knockout.
On the other hand, Siphamandla Manqatha stopped Carl van Blerk in the 10th round to win the vacant Gauteng junior-lightweight title.
Other results
Jeff Magagane drew with Tomas Shifiona
Iviwe Mgema beat George Kandulo on points
Ricardo Shaw defeated Brilliant Maseko by a fourth round knockout
