By Ron Jackson
Photo: Nick Lourens

Jeff Magagane won the vacant Gauteng lightweight title in one of the most exciting fights seen in recent years when he beat Michael Mokoena on a unanimous ten round points decision at the Blairgowrie Recreation Centre on Sunday afternoon.

In a battle of southpaws and unbeaten fighters Magagane (61.05kg) won with scores of 97-93 on all three judges scorecards.

In toe-to-toe action throughout the fighters set a tremendous pace with Magagane possibly winning the first five rounds, before he began to tire in round seven and let Mokoena (60.70kg) come back into the fight.

Magagane had the longer reach which he used to his advantage as he pushed the gutsy Mokoena back at times and just had the edge in the all-action war.

Trainer Alan Toweel must not rush Magagane and rather let him have another four or five fights before challenging for a South African title.

Magagane improves his record to 6-0; 4 and Mokoena’s record drops to 6-1; 2.

Magagane received the recently introduced Gauteng championship belt. Boxing SA have to still make a decision as to how many defences a champion must make before retaining the belt for his own property.

This is definitely a candidate for Fight of the Year.

In the main supporting bout junior flyweight Percy Mkhize (48.84kg) came back from a loss in his last fight to stop 38-year-old Charity Mukondeleli (48.04kg) in the second round. Time 1:57.

OTHER RESULTS: Welterweight: Farady Mukandila, W pts 4, Welcome Malubu; Junior featherweight: Vusumzi Nyawuza, Draw 4, Thato Bonokoane; Middleweight: Wynand Mulder, Draw 4, Kangolo Tshimuanga; Junior lightweight: Anthony Moloisane, W pts 6, Hloni Maboko; Junior middleweight: Fortune Muyumba, W pts 6, Christopher Monyai.

The enthusiastic crowd estimated at 400 enjoyed a good afternoons boxing and promoter Sandile Xaba of Supreme Boxing Promotions in conjunction with Alan Toweel must congratulated on some excellent matchmaking.