By Ron Jackson
Photos: Nick Lourens
South Africa’s DeeJay Kriel produced a mature performance to win the vacant WBC International minimumweight title when he scored a 12 round unanimous points decision over Dexter Alimento from the Philippines at the Emperors Casino near Kempton Park on Sunday afternoon. Judge Sylvia Mokaila scored it 117-111 and judges Joe Chaane and Ishmael Koali both handed in cards of 116-112.
The southpaw Alimento (47.40kg) made a fast start as he attacked to the body through the first two rounds but Kriel (47. 15kg) who was having his first title fight and 12 rounder calmly backed off holding his gloves high to absorb anything thrown at him through the next few rounds before he started picking off the Filipino to take the middle rounds.
However, the 21-year-old Alimento never gave trying as he pressed forward trying to attack the body and was made to miss on numerous occasions by the superbly fit South African who produced the best performance of his career.
The Filipino the final round on sheer aggression but it was too late as Kriel took a well-earned decision.
Kriel, 22, improved his record to 12-1-1; 6 and Alimento’s record dropped to 12-2-1; 8
The referee was Thabo Spampool.
In the main supporting bout featherweight Lerato Dlamini (57.02kg) outpointed Thembane Hobyani over eight entertaining rounds.
The scores 79-72 and 79-73 on the other two scorecards.
OTHER RESULTS: Junior featherweight: Ayabonga Sonjica, W pts 4, Alex Matlaila; Junior welterweight: Jabulani Makhanse, W tko 1, Khodani Tshiakale; Cruiserweight: Chris Thompson, W tko 2, Tshildzi Mulaudzi; Middleweight: Wade Groth, W tko 2, Kose Thaba.
The tournament was presented by African Ring in conjunction with Golden Gloves Promotions.