Boxing promoter Larry Weinstein went back to Booysens Gym on Friday night and picked up where he left off in December by putting together the first tournament of the year.
He also gave matchmaker Abbey Mnisi freedom to exercise his vast knowledge and credible understanding of match-ups that talk to the fans who were on the edge of their seats throughout the duration of Weinstein's eight bouts comprising mostly up-and-coming fighters.
No titles were contested as Weinstein's focus was purely on developing young talent.
Some fights were easy to handle due to the commendable competency of fighters despite being new to the game.
It was encouraging to see Indian fighters Sameer Mulla and Ishmael Kadri because it has been a while since SA has seen Indian fighters.
Both Mulla and Kadri won their fights. Katlego Khanyisa, who is Kadri's stablemate from Colin Nathan's gym, continued showing promise of a bright future by overcoming aggressive Themba Hadebe towards the end of the sixth round.
The most difficult fight to handle, from the fan perspective, was the light heavyweight international six rounder between Tuvia Wawege and Zimbabwean Tenda Sinankoma. They threw the form-book out the window and just beat each other to a pulp without caring about defence.
Wawege, from the Alan Toweel camp in Johannesburg, went down twice in round two. He came back and tried to chop off Sinankoma's head which was freely available due to porous defence.
But his wild blows lacked effect because it was more slapping than hitting with fists. The crowd loved what they saw and reciprocated with a deafening noise of appreciation.
Referee Riaan Janse van Rensburg was not overwhelmed. He kept his composure and gave the fighters space to express themselves. In the end, it was Sinankoma's arms that were raised in triumph by a split-point decision.
Other results:
Mamelo Sithole beat Keith Dube on points 4 rounds
Dennis Ambamba (Congo) bt Tyrone Schaper pts 4 rounds
Frank Stomla bt Sibusiso Twani pts 6 rounds
Vusi Ngcamu bt Sinenkosi Mlotshwa (Zimbabwe) TKO 6
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.