As much as unheralded top boxing trainer Bernie Pailman is happy with both the performance and the end result of his fighter’s bout on Sunday at Booysens Gym, the man who has guided a number of boxers to winning SA, world and international titles says he will still take baby steps with Sabelo Nkosi.
The hard fighter – who hardly takes a step back – emerged victorious in all judges’ scoring against the unshakable object in Malawian George Kandulo over 10 action-packed rounds in one of the five bout development tournaments staged by Soweto Boxing Promotion.
There were knock downs, but the bout fought in the mini flyweight division – the lightest of the 17 weight divisions of boxing – was contested at a very fast pace with both fighters dishing out their hardest blows from the first until the 10th and final round.
Fans were on their toes, screaming and cheering in appreciation of the honest performance. That weight class is all about hand speed, high work rate and guile. These are the attributes that made always super-fit Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala king of that weight division before the pint-sized pugilist moved up to the flyweight class, where he did exactly what he did in the lower division – winning the WBO.
Nkosi was making a comeback, following his stoppage loss at the same venue last December. He is currently rated at No 8 by Boxing SA.
“Look, I want to thank the Soweto Boxing Promotion for giving this boxer this fight and for him to get back on track. I am not rushing for anything; we will take each step as it comes; age is still on Sabelo’s side at 27.”
In the main bout, Sinethemba Kotana cemented his position as the No 2 contender for the SA flyweight title held by Jackson “M3” Chauke. Kotana defeated No 5 contender Sihle Jelwane by a knockout in the fourth round of their 10 rounds scheduled fight.
Other results:
Lucky Hobyani and Luvo Xhomfu drew 4 rounds; Ishmael Kadri beat Takalani Ramueli on points over 4 rounds; Miaael van Dorsen beat Tiseto Padfi, TKO 1
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