#AndStill a Great Night for Women’s Boxing

The 20^th edition of ESPN Africa Boxing was a mix of interesting action featuring an all-male undercard and an all-female main card, including two title fights.

The headline events saw both Smangele Hadebe and Ellen Simwaka defend their respective ABU Flyweight and IBF Bantamweight straps in contrasting ways. Simwaka was made to work hard against a fast-starting Lina Kasweka who put on a brave fight throughout. The fast start was going to prove her undoing as she later tired, and despite a huge output was unable to land as many cleaner punches as the champ who finished the stronger of the two fighters. There were some anxious moments as the judges scores were being finalised as Simwaka body language was not all too confident, the judges however scored the fight in her favour for a deserved split decision victory (93-96, 97-93, 96-93) in her first title defense. 

In contrast, the main event was not destined to run it’s course as Muki was unable to find any rhythm and was rather clumsy with her initial offense. The slick jab from Hadebe made matters worse for Muki who began loading up her punches, this seemed to be the catalyst for her injury where she failed to answer the bell at the beginning of the 4^th round due to a shoulder injury. An altogether easier title defence for Hadebe who retained her strap by TKO.

In another injury stoppage, Patience Mastara retired injured in her fight against Matshidiso Mokebisi. Despite both fighters registering knockdowns early in the bout, it was Mokebisi who grew in confidence, landing some devastating punches resulting in Mastara not answering the bell at the start of the 7^th round due to injury.

Overall, a great night showcasing where Women’s Boxing could be if given more opportunities like this, despite some officiating/scoring discrepancies.

A full list of all the ESPN Africa Boxing 20 results:

Undercard results:

• Ishmael Kadri wins by majority decision over Luvo Xhomfo (39-39, 39-37, 38-36)
• Katelgo Khanyisa wins by split decision over Sipho Mahlangu (77-75, 75-77, 77-75)

Main Card results:

•  Monica Mkandla wins by majority decision over Nomusa Ngema (38-38, 39-37, 39-37)
• Sazisiwe Simon wins by unanimous decision over Adidya Mimu (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
• Nosiacwase Dube and Lufuno Mutshayi fight to a draw (59-55, 58-56, 57-57) 
• Matshidiso Mokebisi wins by TKO over Patience Mastara (7^th round)
• Ellen Simwaka wins by split decision over Lina Kasweka (93-96, 97-93, 96-93) 
• Simangele Hadebe wins by TKO over Stumai Muki (4^th round)