ABP: A Title and a Controversy

Quite literally, everything that a boxing fan could want was on display at ABP Knockout Chaos 3 in Sandton, Johannesburg on Saturday night. The return of a South African boxing legend to the Cruiserweight division for a last shot at international glory, a controversial co-main event along with some insane knockouts. Let’s break it down:

KEVIN LERENA (32-5) def. SCOTT FORREST (8-4) for the WBC INTERNATIONAL CRUISERWEIGHT STRAP

Lerena marked his return to the cruiserweight division – after more than a 6yr absence – with an impressive UD victory over a game Scott Forrest. The opening few rounds were a relatively even contest. An interesting observation was the oftentimes needless movement from Forrest throughout the fight, compared to calculated lack of movement from Lerena. Eventually, the calmness and relentless pressure bursts from Lerena became too much, with Forest eventually dropped in the final round! An appreciative crowd showed their support as Lerena again lifted another WBC strap for yet another South African fighter.

JARRED SILVERMAN (14-5) def. SD PYPERS (4-1)

An emotionally charged build-up saw a charging Pypers dropped in the opening round by what appeared to be a more composed Silverman. Pypers made a better showing in the second round and appeared to rattle Silverman somewhat. The third was controversial, as an overhand right from Silverman had Pypers down on one knee only for Silverman to glance a right uppercut off the head of Pypers. Following a point deduction for a foul blow, it appears that the referee decided to stop the fight, in favour of Silverman.

At this stage it is unclear what drove the referee to make his decision because according to the Unified Rules of Boxing, striking a downed boxer is a severe foul that can result in:

• Disqualification: If the illegal strike is intentional and causes an injury that prevents the downed boxer from continuing, the offending boxer is immediately disqualified, and their opponent is awarded the win.
• Points Deduction: If the illegal strike is intentional but the injured boxer is able to continue fighting after a recovery period, the referee typically orders the judges to deduct 2 points from the offending boxer’s score.

In this instance, no recovery period was offered, only one point was deducted when it is clear from all video footage seen after the fight that emotions finally got the better of Silverman and he intentionally aimed a right uppercut at the head of Pypers. This writer understands that the Pypers camp is currently engaging with Boxing SA with a final decision due soon.

LEO CARERI (6-0) def. JOHN MASAMBA (4-10-3)

Coming in as a late replacement for the injured Gary van Staden, Leo Careri continued where he left off just 13 days ago in Belaus, with another very impressive second round finish along with some extra cash, courtesy of the #KnockoutClock!

Essentially still a teenager, Careri is building an impressive resume as he is yet to taste defeat in his young professional career.

JASON MEDI (13-2) def. DOUGLAS NTOUNTA (3-2)

In what was – in this writer’s opinion, the Fight of the Night – both fighters put on an absolute masterclass of what African boxing can deliver! How Ntounta was able to continue after some of those exchanges and still be dangerous, was something incredible to see. It was in the fifth rounds that Medi was able to land an incredible knockout blow and with that some extra cash from the #KnockoutClock.

TENDAI SINAKOMA (9-2-2) vs BONGINKOSI NHLAPO (7-4-1)

A slow and cagey affair saw Tendai Sinakoma secure a UD victory over Bonginkosi Nhlapo. At one point, this writer thought that Nhlapo had Sinakoma at his mercy with his more clinical approach, but Sinakoma showed what DAWG really is to edge out Nhlapo in a closely contested bout.

TUMELO MAPALELA (7-0) def. MSAWAKHE MNCWABE (1-1)

This one looked like an absolute mismatch on paper and the actual fight proved it! Mncwabe came out like a man possessed only to be dropped following that initial exchange. The fight was over shortly thereafter as the reckless Mncwabe was made to pay with a 1^st round KO, resulting in the biggest #KnockoutClock payout on the night.

SIMNIKIWE BONGCO (5-0-1) def. SIVENATHI NOLAWU (7-5-2)

Bongco delivered another decent performance, ultimately dropping Nolawu in the dying moments of the final round to secure a solid UD victory! This writer cannot help wondering that if Bongco used less of the kitchen sink in his punches, not only would he slip less often or find himself off balance less, he would actually invite the far more opportunities to finish his opponents off – something he has struggled with in his past to outings.

Another sold out event for Aquila Boxing Promotions that delivered incredible entertainment, juicy controversy along with a fair amount of additional cash to at least three of the fighters. The next event is scheduled for early December – no card has yet been announced.

IMAGES CREDIT: Vaughn Humphrey