Msimanga says no SA title because he is gunning for WBA, WBO and The Ring belts held by Collazo
Newly crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) Africa mini flyweight champion, Mpendulo Msimanga, is not interested in fighting for the South African title which was once held by his father, Stephen Msimanga.
Nicknamed “Answer”, which is the direct translation of his name, the 22-year-old talented youngster said, “Fighting for the SA title will be a step backwards because I have already won the WBA Africa belt, which will get me rated by the WBA boxing body.”
Trained by his father in their make-shift gym outside the family house in Orlando East, Soweto, Msimanga added, “I want Oscar Collazo”. The Puerto Rican holds the WBA (Super), World Boxing Organisation, and The Ring mini flyweight belts.
Known as “The Ward”, Collazo is undefeated after 15 fights, with 12 knockouts.
“That is why I had to fight and win the WBA Africa which will get me closer to him,” explained Msimanga, who defeated equally competent opponent, Iviwe “The Ultimate” Mngema, on points at Fourways Farmers Market last Friday night.
“I have been calling Collazo out... tagged him on Instagram... he knows that I am coming for him.”
Msimanga, and 29-year-old Mngema from the Eastern Cape fought a clean and exciting bout over 12 closely contested rounds.
It was a tit-for-tat battle - the first 12 rounder for Msimanga - which he won by unanimous points. The scores were 116-111, 115-112 and 117-110.
The win was Msimanga’s sixth from six fights. He gave credit to Mngema for his toughness.
Mngema’s corner was manned by ex-pro boxers - Bongani Mlotshwa and Sibusiso Nqalathi.
In other exciting fights on the same card of Warriors Ascent, Lebogang Langa and Ardy “The Eagle” Katompa, won their fights against Vusi “Land Lord” Ngcamu and Zolisa “16 Blows” Batyi, respectively.
Ushered to war by Ncedo Cecane, Langa dethroned Ngcamu as the Gauteng junior featherweight champion by a third-round stoppage.
Langa chalked up his eighth win. Katompa outpointed Batyi over 10 hard-fought rounds in the featherweight class.
Flyweight 6 rounds: Thando “Marvelous” Mthembu beat Lucky “The Natural” Nyembezi
5News aggregated this summary from the outlet’s public feed. The full article, with all the context, is on www.sowetanlive.co.za — the content belongs to Sowetan.
