A night of tense nerves turned into a celebration for Philani Mfaku, from Inkwenkwezi Boxing Gym, who was on the line-up at the Queen of Africa showcase last Friday, August 30.
In a four-round lightweight battle, Mfaku beat Axolile Gabuza, fighting out of Grassroots Boxing in Makhaza.
Both fighters were making their professional debuts at the event hosted by Jackie Brice Boxing Promotions and David Faas Boxing Productions, at Vibrant Sports in Ottery.
“Since it was the first professional fight there were a lot of nerves. But I have been ready and prepared for a while. I am grateful to everyone who came out to support – the Mfaku’s, my parents and my friends, it means a lot to me,” said Mfaku.
Inkwenkwezi Boxing trainer, Mvumelwano Thamela said they are grooming the former two-time champion to become the next SA professional champion.
“Since it was his first fight and us not knowing his opponent, our game plan was for him to box well. Our goal is to prepare him for the SA title,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mfaku’s teammate, Sandiso Kota, fell short of the WBF Africa cruiserweight title, in round six, against Amador Kalonji, from SN Boxing.
Thamela said commuting between work and training, from Bellville to Dunoon, could have been a factor for Kota. However, he believes Kota will overcome this challenge and is confident he will soon win the WBF Africa championship.
“We are looking for another fight now so that he can sit well when it comes to the rankings position. He will bounce back,” he said.
Meanwhile, with three wins and one professional loss, former Olympian, Sinethemba Blom, from Dunoon, is up in Mdantsane for a sparring session, as he prepares for a lightweight match, in Gauteng, on Saturday September 14.
