By: Neo Goba

Moruti Mthalane was crowned the new IBO Flyweight champion at the Durban International Convention Centre on Saturday night.

Mthalane beat Philiphines’ international Jether Oliva by 113- 115; 116- 112 and 117- 112 according to the judges decisions.

The former IBF champion regained the title as he showed charisma to defeat Oliva. He defended his opponents’ shots to his face accordingly although his eye was swollen within the first three rounds.

People came out in numbers to support the developing sport in South Africa. Supporters got more than they bargained for as both boxers threw accurate punches but one way or the other, there could only be one winner.

The Filipino took the fight to the core of the former champion but he didn’t seem to threaten Baby Face as he reacted very fiercely to prove why he’s number one in the IBO ranking list.

Mthalane’s trainer, Nick Durandt, proved to South African’s why he’s been in the industry for such a long time as he instilled the same tactics to his boxers.

In other fights that took place on the night included Jared Silverman who is trained by Durandt. He fought against Andile Mntungwa who he manhandled in the opening stages of the fight shutting the left eye first then closing the other in the 7^th round. Silverman won the battle after Mntungwa could no longer fight.

Moruti Mthalane was crowned the new IBO Flyweight champion at the Durban’s ICC after defeating Jether Oliva on Saturday night. Pictures by: Jefferey Zikhali

Middleweight South African champion, Christopher Buthelezi, was defending his title against homeboy Govanni Bushby of the Eastern Cape. Buthelezi proved once again why he’s the champion as he hammered powerful shots to the body and face of Bushby despite the advantage of the height

The fights were hosted by Ludonga Promotions.