Thembelani ‘Shakes’ Hlombe does not have a problem with anyone who calls for a review of his boxer Thinumzi Gqola’s fight against Mthokozisi Ngxaka.
Gqola outpointed Ngxaka to have the South African minimumweight title belt wrapped around his waist at the Portuguese Hall in Turffontein, Johannesburg, on Sunday evening.
And now Ngxaka’s handlers have reportedly called for a review of the fight as they believe that the Mthatha-born boxer did enough to retain the national title.
“They are welcome to call for a review and we have no problem with that. The review is not gonna change the outcome of the fight. We won the fight, Ngxaka only fought in the late rounds. Gqola can beat Ngxaka again anywhere in the country, even in East London,” Hlombe said.
Ushered into war by former SA flyweight champion Ncedo Cecane, Gqola made it clear from the first gong that he was in the duel to win the belt as he took the fight to Ngxaka.
Winning the national title was a remarkable feat by Gqola, who was not even rated six months ago as he had been inactive since March 2023. Gqola, however, barged into the ratings following a first round stoppage win over Malakhi Sobolo, who was rated in fifth spot in March.
Following his win over Ngxaka, Duncan Village-born Gqola improved his professional record to five wins with a knockout and two losses. On the other hand, Ngxaka, who lost for the first time in his last five fights, dropped to nine victories with five stoppages, three defeats and a draw.
