By Ron Jackson
South Africa’s Sivenathi Nontshinga “The Special One” won the IBF junior flyweight title eliminator on a 12 round unanimous points decision against Filipino Cristian “The Bomb” Araneta on Saturday night at the Boardwalk Casino in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
Judge Clifford Mbelu scored it 115-112 and judges J.P. van Mschoot and Jaap van Nieuwenhuizen both had it 114-113.
In a poor fight, which was more of an exhibition, with the only real action coming in the last round when Araneta (48.80kg) dropped Nontshinga (48.50kg) on the seat of his pants against the ropes with a straight southpaw left.
However, he was able to beat the count from referee Deon Dwarte and hold on to the final bell.
Through the first six rounds the only decent scoring punch came from Araneta when he landed a straight left to the head of the No. 3 rated Nontshinga at the bell.
However, the better scoring punches came in from the 22-year-old Nontshinga through rounds seven to eleven before the knockdown in round twelve and he deserved the decision.
The 26-year-old Filipino who is rated at No. 4 by the IBF was a big disappointment as he failed to perform against the younger and less experienced South African.
Nontshinga improved his record to 10-0; 9 and Araneta’s record dropped to 19-2; 15.
JACKSON CHAUKE RETAINS SA FLYWEIGHT TITLE
In the best fight of the night the 35-year-old Jackson Chauke (50.05kg) retained his South African flyweight title and won the vacant WBO Global flyweight belt when beat the gutsy 22-year-old Luyanda Ntwanambi (50.40kg) on a majority points decision.
The scores were 116-111, 115-112 and 114-114.
Ntwanambi took an early lead through the first six rounds and looked well on his way to upsetting the champion before Chauke came back into the fight from round seven through to the final round, as the challenger spent most of the time holding, and should have had a point deducted by the referee.
Chauke improved his record to 20-1-1; 14 and Ntwanambi’s record dropped 7-1-1; 4.
YANGA SIGQIBO RETAINS WBO INTERNATIONAL TITLE
In a fight that never rose to any heights Yanga Sigqibo (51.60kg) retained the WBO International junior bantamweight title with 12 round unanimous point’s decision over Jerald Paclar (51.00kg) from the Philippines.
The scores were 116-112 and 116-113 twice.
OTHER RESULTS
Flyweight: Lusizo Manzana W Pts 6, Thembelani Nxoshe and in a junior lightweight bout Mlanganisi Sogcwayi W Pts 6 against Manlenkosi Sibusiso.
The tournament was presented by Rumble Africa Promotions.