MOZ CHAMP TIAGO TOO STRONG FOR SIBONELO

MANZINI – Two blows to the back of the head proved lethal for Eswatini professional boxer Sibonelo Ndzimadze against visiting Mozambique boxing champion Tiago Muxanga.

This transpired during the main bout of the Eswatini Boxing Tournament. The second edition of the annual tournament was staged two days ago at Manzini Club. At 71kg and oozing with confidence, the 21-year-old Mozambican boxer was a huge mountain to climb for Ndzimandze, who was in the wrong weight category as he weighed 63kg. Sibonelo was up against a top boxer in the world, as Tiago was fresh from winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games held in England’s city of Birmingham in August.

Muxanga’s decision to honour the invitation by Eswatini Boxing Association (EBA) President Webster Lukhele, was not only a dose of inspiration for the local boxers but a reminder to the boxing fraternity of the ample work they ought to do in order to attain international standards. Sibonelo, in the blue corner, was rudely welcomed with two thunderous hooks that nearly dimmed his lights, but retaliated with double jabs testing Tiago’s rib cage. With nearly 200 fans and Coach Nathi Dlamini rallying behind him, Sibonelo was compelled to prove his worth as one of Eswatini’s best.

Muchanga bagged 10 points in the first round and Sibonelo got eight. The second round was more intense and the display of tactical moves and quick footwork by the Mozambican proved too much for Ndzimandze, who was forced to protect his face while trying to escape the trap in the white corner, as Tiago inflicted jaw cracking punches. In the last 30 seconds of the second round, Ndzimandze landed two successful punches but lost his footing and kissed the canvas after receiving double from the opponent. The subsiding cheering from the crowd amid the third round was a premonition for a near knockout (KO) for Ndzimandze, who was visible exhausted and drained. Some fans called for the referee to stop the contest, while others motivated him to soldier on. The sound of the bell marked the end of the bout and it was Tiago in the red corner who celebrated victory on split decision and a hard-learnt lesson for the local boxer.

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