Six-fight novice SA super-middleweight champ Asemhale “The Predator” Wellem added the WBF Intercontinental belt to his collection on Saturday when he dethroned Tanzanian Twaha Kassim on points at Malaika Hotel, Mwanza City in Tanzania.
There was a scare that the managers of the fighter, promoter Happy Tewo and Siyanda Zingelwa, were exposing the inexperienced youngster to harm against experienced Kassim.
But Wellem from Chintsa in the Eastern Cape, who had only 28 rounds in six wins, just boxed instead of getting involved in a slug-fest.
“We were in no way interested in a close fight,” said Zingelwa. 'We knew Kassim would not box but instead come forward and make it a fight. Our plan was to box behind the jab move around and give him angles.
"We dropped him in the third round with a left hook, which was a flash knockdown. We did not get carried away but instead continued boxing because our interest was to get more rounds under Wellem's belt and get the feel of 12 rounds."
The scores were 119-112, 118-110 and 117-111.
Said Tewo: “He looked comfortable in his first 12 rounds. It's not about because you have six fights but about the team behind you.
"By the time he turns 24 he must be a world champ. Winning this title will earn him a top rating by the WBF.”
Meanwhile, Prince "The Demon" Dlomo reigned supreme as the SA junior welterweight champion after defeating mandatory challenger Marcus Lebogo by a unanimous points decision after 12 rounds at Pietermaritzburg City Hall on Friday.
Dlomo is now a defence away from claiming the SA championship belt. But Dlomo was mechanical in his approach and that could be because of his eagerness to impress in his first professional boxing match at home.
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