Baloyi retains his title
Zolile Mtshelwane
28 October 2002
Cassius Baloyi on Saturday lived up to his nickname of 'Hitman' when he pounded challenger Mbulelo Botile into submission to retain his International Boxing Organisation's junior lightweight title at Carnival City in Brakpan on the East Rand.
Baloyi played a waiting game while Botile exerted himself from the first round, taking the fight to the champion. However, Botile soon tired and the Hitman went in for the kill from the eighth round.
Late rounds barrage
Baloyi, whose defence was flawless in the face of a barrage of attacks from Botile, started punishing the challenger from round nine of the scheduled 12-rounder. In the 11th round, Baloyi caught Botile with a combination of punches to the head and body, forcing the challenger to his knees. Although Botile got up, it was a matter of seconds before he gave up, shaking his head and walked away towards his corner. The referee got the hint that the challenger had
taken enough punishment and ended the fight.
Although Botile lost, he demonstrated that he still has a lot of boxing left in him, despite being out of the ring for the past 17 months. Botile, a former International Boxing Federation bantamweight and featherweight champion, must have impressed promoters from other countries, who will definitely be interested in him fighting opponents of Baloyi's calibre, and making money in the process. His record of 30 fights, 27 wins and 3 losses puts him in a good position to campaign against classy opponents internationally.
Baloyi, on the other hand, will go into the new year with renewed confidence. Bolstered by this win, he will now have a better idea of opponents to take on in defence of his title. Baloyi's record now stands at 28 wins and one loss.
Rothmann's IBO title
In the main supporting bout of this Crowning Duel tournament, Sebastiaan Rothmann easily disposed of New Zealander
Anthony Bigeni in the fifth round for the vacant IBO cruiserweight title.
Rothmann battered the unfit and game Bigeni from the first bell. The New Zealander did not throw any meaningful punches but turned into Rothmann's punching bag until the referee stopped it in the fifth.
This is Rothmann's second world title after the World Boxing Union cruiserweight crown that he recently relinquished.
In earlier bouts, Andre Thysse successfully defended his SA super middleweight title by outboxing Christopher Buthelezi.
Featherweight champion Takalani Ndlovu retained his title by winning on points against Edward Mpofu.
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