The date was March 24 2022 and the venue was Cambridge Commercial Park in Sandton, where local fight fans had concluded that it was just a matter of time before accomplished referee Sylvia Mokaila rescued Hedda Wolmarans from Ruth Chisale.
The Malawian soldier punished Wolmarans badly for almost five of their 10-round boxing match. But Mokaila knew and understood what was at stake – the IBF Africa welterweight title – so she gave Wolmarans, hosts ESPN Africa and the the fans the benefit of doubt, and let the fight continue.
IBF president Darryl Peoples –- an American – was a ringside guest. Mokaila's refereeing had nothing to do with nationality; she was just being fair, and she acted in the best interest of the sport and mostly the credibility of the IBF belt.
Wolmarans – the SA welterweight champion known as “The Shredder” – was taking a beating from Chisale.
But Wolmarans’s valour stood her in good stead. Her super conditioning – thanks to trainer Colin Nathan – made it possible for her to shift to second gear and powered her up to turn matters around,
The big crowd went mad with jubilation. Wolmarans came close to ending their non-stop action even before the scheduled 10 rounds. The last three rounds were compelling – from boxing to brawling, skills to power, Wolmarans showcased all her skills as she had to to impress the judges.
The scores from two judges were 97-93 while their colleague scored it 96-94. Wolmarans won, but Chisale didn’t lose.
This bout was nominated for Boxing SA’s 2023 female fight of the year. The others are Asanda Simelani v Thapelo Bokwe; Sharadene Fortuin v Ellen Simwaka; Simangele Hadebe v Stumai Muki and Thema Zuma v Bathabile Ziqubu
The award ceremony will take place on June 30 at Duran ICC Hall where the fight that will win the trophy will be made known publicly.
Women can take a beating, just like the men. They bleed just like the men, but they don’t get paid like the men.
Good things are ahead for women’s boxing, and it’s time for boxing promoters and television networks to start investing more of their budgets on the women.
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