Mahlangu makes first defence of SA title

Veteran 44-year-old Bongani Mahlangu makes the first defence of his South African junior featherweight title when he meets Luthando Mbumbulwana on Saturday at Vodaworld in Midrand.

After making his pro debut in 2006 Mahlangu won the South African junior featherweight title for the first time when he stopped Sivivwe Hasheni in the ninth round.

After making successful defences against Mfusi Maxhayi (pts 12) and Sivivwe Hasheni (tko 9) he lost the title to Ludumo Lamati (pts 12).

However the gutsy veteran never gave and came back to regain the South African title on 3 July last year when he stopped Ayabonga Sonjika in the sixth round.

In his most recent fight, Mahlangu (25-9; 13) won on a fifth-round knockout against Mduduzi Mzimela on 21 April this year.

The challenger Mbumbulwana (13-7; 7) from the Eastern Cape has also had an in-and-out record since making his pro debut on 11 April 2010.

On 26 April 2014 he lost on points over 12 rounds against Siviwe Hasheni in a challenge for the South African junior featherweight title and in his most recent fight on 17 September 2022 he won on points over ten rounds against Sonwabe Marenne.

In a battle of veterans one must favour the champion to win on points over 12 rounds.

JOSHUA STUDDARD RETURNS

Joshua Studdard (10-2; 8) returns to action on Sunday at Vodaworld in Pretoria when he meets Akani Sambo (4-1-1; 3) in a clash for the vacant WBF Intercontinental bantamweight title.

There are seven fights on the bill and the action starts at 2pm.