Deon Potgieter Boxing
Although Jacob Mofokeng etched his name in the history books on Sunday, by becoming South Africa’s first black fighter to win the coveted national heavyweight title, the fight itself left much to be desired.
Mofokeng stopped Isaac Mahlangu in the 11th round of a very tedious bout to win the vacant national title. A fight he himself admitted was boring.
“I blame Mahlangu,” says Mava Mala, the CEO of the national boxing commission. “He was only out for survival and so doing deprived the people of seeing a true heavyweight battle.”
Fight analyst Terry Pettifer says: “Critics shouldn’t be too harsh on Mofokeng. Considering he was fighting a spoiler, he did very well.”
With Mofokeng becoming the first black fighter to win the national heavyweight title, it’s hoped that his success will encourage more black fighters into the heavyweight division.
“Previously it was thought that South African blacks were too small to contest the title,” says Pettifer. “Now they know it’s attainable.”
And, says Jeff Ellis, a member of the Gauteng boxing commission: “It’s a landmark for us to have a black heavyweight champion. The heavyweight division is the ultimate ground in boxing. It’s what gets the people interested.”
Mofokeng may not be the most exciting fighter around, but he can punch. He’s scored 16 knockouts in 19 victories and when he’s in with an aggressive fighter he comes into his own. A former World Boxing Union (WBU) cruiser-weight world champion, Mofokeng won that world title in a very exciting bout, stopping the then undefeated Ryan Poletti in seven rounds.
“That was an exciting fight because Poletti attacked Mofokeng from the opening bell,” says Bert Blewett, editor of Boxing World magazine. “Mofokeng’s handlers will do well to remember that when matching him for future bouts. They need to put him in with aggressive fighters. If not, he falls asleep and so will the crowds.”
Mofokeng lost his WBU cruiser-weight world title earlier this year on a controversial points decision to Rob Norton in the United Kingdom. Following this loss he decided to move up and campaign as a heavyweight. The fact that Mofokeng always battled to come down to the cruiser-weight limit makes one wonder why his handlers had not encouraged him to do so earlier.
At 1,85m, Mofokeng is the same height as Evander Holyfield, and if he bulks up, could add even more power to his already impressive punch. Thrown in against the right style of opponents, Mofokeng could become an attractive addition to the international heavyweight ranks.
“The way to go is for Mofokeng to first win the All Africa heavyweight championship,” says Ellis “From there he’ll automatically receive a ranking by the World Boxing Council and then who knows, perhaps a world title.”
Added to the pressures of holding the national heavyweight title is the long list of past performers. Of the last five holders, two have won world titles – Gerrie Coetzee and Corrie Sanders – and the three others either fought for or came extremely close to fighting for a world title – Mike Schutte, Robbie Williams and Pierre Coetzer.
Although the Mofokeng/Mahlangu title fight in no way lived up to past national title battles, it’s hoped that Mofokeng will be a fighting champion. Sanders won the title back in 1991 by knocking out Johnny du Plooy in one round, but never defended it. Breathing down Mofokeng’s neck is Duanne van der Merwe, the number one contender.
“Van Der Merwe isn’t as experienced as Mofokeng, but has a tremendous right hand,” says Pettifer. “A clash between the two of them, could really get things going.”
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