Cassius ”The Hitman” Baloyi made South African boxing history by securing a fifth world title while demolishing Argentina’s Nazareno Ruiz in three rounds for the vacant IBO junior lightweight crown on Saturday night.
Immediately after flooring the outclassed and out-punched Ruiz with a vicious right hook and gaining a victory on a technical-knockout decision, Baloyi confirmed he had hardly broken into a sweat by vaulting the ring ropes to pay homage to ringside spectator Nelson Mandela.
With a noticable advantage in reach and height, Baloyi peppered blows on Ruiz from the outset and only received a scare momentarily in the second round when a crunching right hook opened a cut over his right eye.
It only seemed to inspire Baloyi into greater urgency as he finished off his business of the night in methodical fashion and banished the spectre of his mediocre performance against Gairy St Clair in his last fight. – Sapa