By Ron Jackson

Jabulani Makhense is the favorite in his fight with the more experienced Gift Bholo for the vacant Gauteng junior-welterweight title at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Sunday afternoon. The tournament starts at 2pm.

Makhense (5-0, 3 KOs) from Pretoria who is trained by former WBU and IBO world champion Sebastian Rothman has shown promising form since making his pro debut in December 2016, winning his first three fights inside the distance and then scoring wins over Byson Gwayeni and Siyo Mabena on points.

Even though he has lost his last two fights inside the distance the 30-year-old Bholo (6-7, 3 KOs) is vastly more experienced than Makhense.

In an in and out career he has had 75 rounds in the professional ring against the 15 by Makhense, and in June 2017 won the vacant African Boxing Union (Southern Region) junior welterweight title on points over 12 rounds against Vuyani Masondo.

It is on the cards that Makhense will take the title on points over ten rounds.

Also on the bill is a matchup between Lucky Monyebane (5-2, 4 KOs) and Paul Mangxilana (4-4-5, 2 KOs) for the vacant Gauteng junior-lightweight title.

Other bouts:

Junior bantamweight: 4 rounds – Ricardo Malajika vs Nkululeko Mnisi; Welterweight: 4 rounds – Tristan Truter vs Sibonelo Nzimande; Light-heavyweight: 4 Rounds – Michael Markram vs Mandla Mpofu; Cruiserweight: 4 rounds – Keaton Gomes vs Banela Tuswa, Junior-middleweight: 4 rounds – Boyd Allen vs Lybon Ntshani.

The tournament is presented by Golden Gloves Promotions.