Thabiso Mchunu’s aim to be a boxing champion took a hit on Friday when he lost the WBC silver-cruiserweight title bout to Yamil Alberto Peraltaof Argentina.
The 36-year-old South African, with a career dating back to 2007, couldn’t secure a victory that would have edged him closer to a shot at the WBC championship, currently held by Noel Mikaelian.
Mchunu’s performance, marked by poor timing and an apparent hesitance to engage closely with the taller Peralta, left fans and his promoter, Nomvelo Mgcaba Shezi, visibly disappointed.
Despite the crowd’s encouragement, Mchunu’s efforts fell short, resulting in his seventh career loss.
The fight’s outcome was also stained with controversy, as South African judge Ishmael Koali’s scorecard favoured Mchunu, opposing the verdicts of Eddie Pappoe from Ghana and Jose Cardini from Argentina resulting in a split decision.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Peralta, adding a name like Mchunu to his record and showcasing his effective use of reach and jab throughout the bout.
While Mchunu’s career faces uncertainty, the event also featured notable victories for Ntethelelo Magcaba, who claimed the KwaZulu-Natal bantamweight title, and Snamiso Ntuli, who was crowned the provincial super-middleweight champion.
Thulani Mbenge also secured a win against Argentinian Leandro Ariel Fonseca.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Thabiso Mchunu.
Image source: X
