By Linda Ximba
South African junior featherweight champion Bongani Mahlangu has received a welcome boost ahead of his title defence against Mduduzi Mzimela in two weeks’ time.
The 42-year-old Mahlangu finally received the International Boxing Federation (IBF) All Africa belt he won six months ago.
He earned the belt after pummelling Ayabonga Sonjica into submission in the sixth round at the Orient Theatre in East London last July.
After that he endured the pain of being called a champion without having something to show for it.
Rumble Africa Promotions, which staged that Sonjica fight, sent him from pillar to post every time he enquired about the belt that is rightfully his.
It took the intervention of IBF representative in Africa Andre de Vries to have the belt delivered to the champion in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
An elated Mahlangu shared the news with Scrolla.Africa.
“I am happy that at last justice has prevailed. I have shown my family the belt and they are happy. This latest development has boosted my morale as I prepare to defend my national title in Durban,” said Mahlangu.
He is pitted against Mduduzi Mzimela from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The fight is set for the International Convention Centre in Richards Bay on 25 February.
The unbeaten Mzimela, who is placed number one in the national ratings, holds the KZN title. He won it on points against Sanele Maduna in Durban.
Pictured above: Bongani Mahlangu with his belt
Image source: Supplied
