An air of disbelief engulfed the Orient Theatre in East London as ageing Bongani Mahlangu from the Vaal broke many hearts dethroning local favourite Ayabonga Sonjica.
The 42-year-old Mahlangu, who was an underdog, shocked boxing followers when he stopped the previously unbeaten Sonjica in the sixth round.
With the stoppage, Mahlangu reclaimed the South African junior-featherweight title and also won the IBF Intercontinental belt.
Mahlangu, a 2004 Olympian, did the same thing to Siviwe Hasheni at the same East London venue in March 2015.
Meanwhile, former SA featherweight champion Azinga Fuzile stopped Malawian Romeo Makwakwa in the third round in an international lightweight bout. This was Fuzile’s debut in the lightweight division since moving up earlier this year.
Other results:
Yanga Sigqibo beat Lugman Ngambongali on points to win the IBF Intercontinental junior-bantamweight title
Lusizo Manzana defeated Mawande Mbusi on points to win the vacant ABU SADC bantamweight title
Athenkosi Thongwana beat Xolisa Magusha on points
Asemahle Wellem defeated Jason Medi on points
Lwando Mgabi beat Mfanuvele Ntuli on points
Hlumelo Gingxana drew with Lubabalo Kweyi
