Superb victories for Team Dida at Brawl in the Hood
The tournament was held at a packed Kagiso Memorial and Recreation Centre.
Reigning World Boxing Federation (All Africa Title) champion Thato Bonokoane lived up to his nickname of Captain Charisma when he proved that he is definitely the captain of any boxing ring.
Bonokoane, who entered the ring accompanied by a unique live performance from rapper Prose who sang a track entitled One Day, pulled off a jaw-dropping victory at the Brawl in the Hood boxing tournament on 7 April when he defeated his opponent, Aphiwe Khumalo, by a knock-out in the fourth round of the main event, which was scheduled for 12 rounds.
The unexpectedly early victory saw Captain Charisma’s fight record climb to 11 victories in 12 career fights.
The tournament, hosted by Team Dida Boxing Promotion in association with Vision View Production, was held at a packed Kagiso Memorial and Recreation Centre. It featured numerous other spectacular brawls including that of the Rodrigues brothers (Fernando and Frank) who extended their winning streak when they both faced tough opponents but managed to scoop victories via points.
Dida Dipheko, the boxing trainer, reflected on the fights of his three boxers (Fernando, Frank and Prince Dlomo, who is new to his camp). “I knew this was going to happen, although it wasn’t easy for them, especially Frank’s fight,” he said.
Frank fought against VIP Boxing Gym athlete Khayeni Hlungwani, an intimidating boxer who is rated No 2 in his division.
“It wasn’t easy, but I can’t protect my fighters forever. I had to give them a little bit of a challenge which they passed,” said Dipheko, who felt they elevated the club as well as the promotion company.
Dipheko’s newly signed skillful boxer, Prince Dlomo, who won on points in the final round against a Mpumalanga boxer named Xolani Mgidi, entertained the crowd with his leg dance and arm swings manoeuver which puzzled Mgidi, who kept receiving left hooks to his face, resulting in him spitting his mouth guard out several times.
Following these superb victories, Dipheko mentioned the possibility that South African title fights are in the pipeline for his boxers.
Other interesting matches at the tournament were won by Augustine “Big Bang” Matata, who scored a technical knockout (TKO) against Walter Dlamini in the sixth round; Kabelo Bikitsha who ended his fight against Sipho Skhosana by a TKO in the second round and Joshua André Pretorius, who hammered Warren le Roux during the fifth round of a Heavy Weight match. This match was the main supporting bout, and was followed by a moment of silence for the Mother of the Nation, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, before the main event.
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