After an exciting event in Johannesburg last month, ESPN Africa Boxing continues with a new card of fighters set to enter the ring and duel for glory later this week. Brought to you by ESPN Africa, audiences across the continent can look forward to some of the best combat sport action when the fifteenth instalment of the Africa Boxing series takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday 24 March 2022 from 19:00.
The main featured bout will be a contest for the vacant IBF Africa Junior Women’s Welterweight Title between Hedda Wolmarans and Malawi’s Ruth Chisale, with the co-main event between Akani ‘Prime’ Phuzi (11W-2L-0D) and Lebo Mashitoa (8W-2L-0D) over 10 rounds in the cruiserweight division.
Motivated by the recent birth of his daughter, Phuzi is looking to reignite his boxing career after two recent back-to-back defeats, the only losses of his professional career, after 11 straight wins under his belt. With both boxers under the guidance of new coaches, the winner of this bout could potentially be the top challenger for the vacant South African cruiserweight title. The four main fighters in contention are Johnny Muller, Mashitoa, Phuzi and Thomas Oosthuizen.
The fight card for what promises to be an action packed evening at the March event, is as follows:
MAIN EVENT
Main event: IBF Africa Junior Women’s Welterweight Title
10 rounds
Hedda Wolmarans (6W-0L-0D) v Ruth Chisale (11W-1L-OD)
Co-main event: Cruiserweight
10 rounds
Akani Phuzi (11W-2L-0D) v Lebo Moshitoa (8W-2L-0D)
Featherweight
6 rounds
Itumeleng Tsolo (3W-1L-0D) v Deon Mbumbane (4W-9L-0D)
Junior Welterweight
8 rounds
Jabulani Makhense (11W-1L-0D) v Phillip Musariri (7W-2L-2D)
Junior Middleweight
8 rounds
Boyd Allen (5W-1L-1D) v Linda Ntshingila (4W-2L-1D)
UNDERCARD
Flyweight
4 rounds
Sibonelo Maseko (2W-1L-0D) v Mpho Ndela(debut)
Junior Lightweight
6 rounds
Athenkosi Plaatjies (3W-0L-0D) v Welcome Malumbu (0W-3L-0D)
Featuring a diverse range of the continent’s boxing talent, the ESPN Africa Boxing events that take place on the last Thursday of every month, are televised to an audience of up to 60 million homes across Africa and Latin America. The action starts at 19:00 (CAT) on ESPN (DStv 218, Starsat 248), SABC Sport and selected international broadcasters including ESPN across Latin America, as well as a highlights package in TKO (SABC 2, Fridays at 21:30).
How to tune in:
ESPN: DStv 218, Starsat 248
SABC Sport
All times are stated in CAT / SAST.
Schedule subject to change
For updates regarding ESPN Africa Boxing and other sports, fans can connect to @ESPNAfrica on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit https://www.espn.com/.
Note to editors:
Due to Covid-19 guidelines and subsequent venue capacity restrictions, this event is unfortunately not open to the public. The safety of our boxers, staff, contractors and guests is of the utmost importance to us. The venue entry policy includes mandatory vaccination or presentation of negative Covid-19 test results. Applicable World Health Organisation recommended measures will be implemented at this event to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
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