The fight fraternity in Gauteng must brace itself for an artistic boxing bout between talented boxers Xolani “Tiger” Mcotheli and Sibusiso “Prince” Dlomo, says Abbey Mnisi.
Mnisi matched Mcotheli and Dlomo, whose fight will headline the TK Promotions tournament on December 12. Mcotheli will be making the third defence of the SA junior-welterweight belt he won in 2017.
Mnisi, who has been around for long enough to know the type of boxing match that will keep fans on the edge of their seats, said: “This will be a very good boxing match. It will be like a chess match where one wrong move gets you punished. Before the fight both boxers have equal chances. Prince proved he’s no pushover against [Xolisani] Ndongeni. Mcotheli always comes to Gauteng fully prepared for war. I wish I could make a prediction on the outcome but I can’t because I matched them looking for a winner.”
Mcotheli is from Mthatha in the Eastern Cape but is now based in Mdantsane. Dlomo comes from Emakhabeleni in KwaZulu-Natal. He is based in Mzimhlophe in Soweto.
Mcotheli and Dlomo are skilful fighters but the bout could become a boring affair should either boxer choose to play a waiting game, looking to pounce on the opponent's mistakes.
Mcotheli is trained by former SA flyweight champ Ncedo Cecane while former pro boxer Charity Mukondeleli hones Dlomo’s skills.
Mcotheli left boxing fans at the Indoor Arena in East London in October last year stunned when he fought eight rounds with one hand and still beat Marcus Lebogo on points. The defending champion injured his right hand in round five. That was Mcotheli’s 18th win against five losses.
Dlomo produced the upset of the year recently, knocking out former world champion Ndongeni in round five. That was Dlomo’s 12th win against 11 losses and a draw. Mcotheli has 12 knockouts.
Dlomo said: “I saw Mcotheli defending his title with one hand against Marcus, and he showed great character. I respect all the boxers he has fought against and defeated but I am not one of them. I warned Ndongeni not to think I am one of those boxers he had beaten and he did not listen, so he got punished. I am sending the same warning to Mcotheli to give me respect because he may wake up in his dressing room.”
Mcotheli said he knows exactly what to expect from his challenger. “He is a good boxer who is going to give me a real challenge. Prince has been in the game for a long time and he’s fought against good boxers. You don’t get fooled by losses in his record. I am preparing hard for him but the title will not exchange hands; that I guarantee you.”
Promoter Tshele Kometsi said he was hoping to get Uncle Tom’s Hall in Soweto because of its history with boxing, though Ramosa Hall in Mohlakeng, Randfontein, will also be ideal. “Initially I planned for December 6. Unfortunately, Nickolas Radley [the SA light-heavyweight champion], who was to defend his title, pulled out claiming short notice. I had to shift the whole tournament to December 12 so that Abbey gets a credible bout to replace the national title [fight],” he said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.