Local female boxer, Esther Mashiye had no difficulties in defending her South African Female Junior Middleweight Title against Mapule Ngubane on Saturday in Graceland Casino, Secunda.
The Tweefontein native won the 10-round bout in a unanimous points decision to cap off a wonderful night of boxing in Mpumalanga. “We are delighted our girl won and we are optimistic her victory will inspire other women to take up the sport,” said Culture, Sport and Recreation spokesman, Ms Sibongile Nkosi at the sidelines of the tournament, which drew a large crowd.
Earlier, seven bouts took place as a build-up to the Masiye/Ngubane match and this is what transpired:
- Pius drew with Vusi Dladla (four-round Junior Welterweight)
- Prince Dlomo beat Vusi Bilankulu on a unanimous points decision (four-round junior middleweight)
- Kutloana Gare beat Solomon Letsoalo on points (four-round female junior welterweight)
- Ndobayini Kholose beat Phindle Mwelase on points (four-round junior featherweight)
- Tholakele Mxhonywa beat Mthobisi Nkosi TKO in the fourth round (six-round junior middleweight)
- Tebogo Malose beat Nsenga Mpinga TKO in the fourth round (six-round junior middleweight)
- Richard Khunou beat Hamisi Lubalo on points (six-round junior middleweight)
The seven-bout forms part of the department’s drive to take high caliber sporting activities closer to people, as they are key in promoting healthy lifestyles and mass participation.
The revival of boxing in the province started in 2011 when the department partnered with Ethembeni Promotions to stage a tournament at Mhluzi where Nkululeko Mhlongo defeated Page Tshesane for the South African Junior Middleweight Title. The two parties have come together once again to continue the revival of the sport.
Enquiries: Ms Sibongile Nkosi 013 766 5372 or 082 492 4886.