In a much awaited Gauteng by the boxing fraternity, Katlego Khanyisa was crowned IBF Africa junior lightweight champion when he easily dispatched out Lucky Monyebane in what was an entertaining ten rounder in front of an enthusiastic crowd as boxing returned to the iconic Carnival City.
Khanyisa a well-deserved winner with judges scoring the fight as; 100-90 (twice) and 100-91. The tournament dubbed ‘Back to the City by Boxing 5 Promotions saw the boxing fans coming in numbers to fill it up the arena making it an entertaining evening of boxing.
In the main supporting bout, Sikho Nqothole, affectionately known in boxing circles as “Sequence” had no challenges brushing aside Reymark Alicaba. Nqothole showed signs of readiness for a bigger challenges as he bulldozed his opponent from the 1st round.
This was an electrifying night of boxing delivered thrilling performances from start to finish as the following bouts also took a centre stage.
Ishmaeel Kadri won via TKO 9 over Lineekela Nghofindeka to claim the IBF Youth Featherweight Title. Kadri, an orthodox boxer, 25, caused a major upset on Saturday stopping Nghofindeka to claim the title. To many he is showing the same talent that took him to Zone 6 Youth games to represent South Africa as an amateur in Botswana.
Lerato Dlamini stopped Sukpasried Ponphitak with a KO in Round 7 in a dominant international featherweight bout. This was Dlamini’s first competitive fight in almost a year ago since his loss to Japanese, Tomoki Kamenda in an International Boxing Federation featherweight elimination bout in Japan. The win would have boosted his confidence to once again try his luck at the bigger stage.
Frank Sotomela won unanimous decision over Theo Nxayiphi to lift the IBF Africa Flyweight Title.
Meanwhile Frank Sotomela won via unanimous points decision and was crowned the new Africa flyweight champion.
Joshua Feldman won via unanimous points decision against Simphiwe Ntombela and Doron Zinman won via unanimous points decision against Ronaldo Sibisi.
Lastly, Sanele Thabetha came second best as Hamza Hassim won via unanimous points decision.
On the same weekend, Sunday, 26th May 2025 belonged to East London, Orient Theatre where Lindelani Sibisi was crowned new Featherweight champion after bullying and brushing aside Zolisa Batyi via KO, in 2 minutes 38 seconds at was an exciting tournament with bright talent on show, dubbed, ‘Royal Series,’ organised by KayB Promotions.
Sibisi who hails from Dundee, KwaZulu Natal came to this fight with ten (10) bouts, where he had won eight (8) and lost two (2). The crown jewel Sibisi added featherweight title to WBA Pan Africa, and ABU All Africa titles. He is also a former WBF International and former KZN champion. This is a proud moment for the KZN boxing fraternity as the province is slowly stamping its authority and challenging SA Titles, left, right and centre. Next week we see KZN’s Sechaba “Simply the Best” Zuma challenging Cape Town’s Lwando Mgabi for the South African Junior Bantamweight Championship.
In the supporting act, mini-flyweight Amzolele Dyeyi won via a split decision against Simamnkele Singile, 56-57, 58-56 and 55-58.
The win against Singile was Dyeyi’s first professional win in his career and would have given his camp a lot of confidence going forward.
Nqaba Dantile who made his professional debut back in December 2023, with only one (1) bout under his belt won on unanimous points against Athenkosi Thunzi in the miniflyweight division. Thunzi a young prospect that showed grit and resilience on his last 3 outings could not defend his unblemished record against Cape Town’s Dantile on a bout that was filled with blow-by-blow scintillating action throughout the 6 rounds.
In the Catchweight division, Lonwabo Sizani beat Aviwe Mpayipheli via TKO, nine seconds to the second round.
Lastly, in the Bantamweight division, Oyisa Gingxana won on unanimous points against Anivuyi Wali.
The past weekend was a great weekend of boxing and big ups to Boxing 5 and KayB promotions.
