Mothibedi Registers Second Win In Pro Boxing
Naledi Lemogang | Tuesday October 3, 2017 17:14
Two judges gave Mothibedi the fight, while a third, scored a tie.
The upcoming professional fighter took control of the first round of the bout against the experienced Cele.
Scara, as Mothibedi is known by his legion of fans, badly needed another victory to enhance his reputation in professional boxing. His South African opponent exuded confidence going into the first round, but Mothibedi showed no respect. Mothibedi was quick on his feet, releasing successive punches and had good movement, which thrilled the fans. Cele fought cautiously, studying his opponent’s moves. The bout picked momentum in the fourth round and the referee had to stop the fight, with Cele injured. He received treatment and continued, with the Botswana boxer unrelenting. Mothibedi was good defensively, but the South African gave as much as he got. Cele did not throw scoring punches to secure the much needed points. Mothibedi’s coach, Larona Francis said his boxer fought according to instructions. He said they wanted Mothibedi to press his opponent early and observe Cele’s type of boxing. He said Mothibedi is a stylish and brilliant boxer who quickly adapts to his opponents’ fight. “(In terms of) tactical awareness, my boxer was on top because I instructed him to balance that is why he was moving around the ring in order to get rest,” Francis said.
Cele’s coach, Edward Sithole has said the fight was not that difficult it was just his boxer failed to adapt to his opponent’s style. “We were much close in the last rounds. It is just my player was overwhelmed by the speed of his opponent, which led him to give away the fight,” he said.
In the supporting bouts Tshepo Khutloeng beat Maiketso Moreki through a unanimous decision while Thabiso Mpolokeng knocked out Thato Monabana in the last round. Botshelo Robby registered a win against Modiri Sanyati through a unanimous decision, while Tshepiso Mokgadi beat South African, Alex Thobela through a majority decision.