Lunga “The Pressure Cooker” Sitemela was crowned the new African Boxing Union (ABU) south super featherweight champion after dismantling a gutsy Malawian foe, Wilson Masamba at the Wynberg military base sports hall on Friday March 29.
The fight staged by Kalakoda Promotions lived up to expectations as boxers came out guns blazing.
Sitemela, a clear favourite for the partisan fans, proved why he was voted the 2018 South African prospect of the year.
He crowded his opponent with heavy bodily punches, made Masamba eat shots and exhausted him as he exploited openings through an assortment of well delivered punches.
That Masamba, who was touted as an experienced fight, went as far as round nine is a testament of his will and sheer roughness.
Sitemela’s coach, Emile Bryce, sang praises of his charge.
“We fought according to plan, the intention was never to knock him out because we want ring mileage and he gave us credible challenge,” said Bryce.
Sitemela now boasts a perfect fight record of 12 and 0 with 7 knockouts in just two years as a professional.
“Under Kalakoda Promotions I have been able to keep very active, this was my second title fight under their promotion. I won the same title in Durban against David Rajuili at lightweight. I have had a great camp and am feeling very sharp. Masamba was tough as nails, I’m glad he fell,”said Sitemela.
The main supporting bout featured another rising star in IBF Youth World Champion Emile Kalekuzi who knocked out challenger Malibongwe Ndzube in the third round.
Ndzube, a proven journeyman, was never going to trouble Kalekuzi.
When he kissed the canvas it was confirmation of what many ringsiders had predicted.
Criticism against Kalekuzi is that his father and coach, Commando Kalekuzi, is picking nobodies to fight his son.
“People forget that Emile has only just turned 20, he is still developing. Winning the IBF belt in December was a major achievement for him and the team,” said Commando.
In what was possibly the fight of the night, Jimmy “Wrong Turn” Mabundji faced Yanga Phetani at middleweight over 8 rounds.
The experienced lanky Phetani won on points decision and used his reach to a distinct advantage.
Despite the loss, Mabundji received a standing ovation for his display of stoic boxing.