JOHANNESBURG – Moruti Mthalane successfully defended his IBO world flyweight title against Genesis Libranza from the Philippines at the Wembley Arena in the headline bout of the TK Kometsi Boxing Promotions bill in Johannesburg on Friday night.
Mthalane showed no signs of ring rust, despite having last fought way back in December 2015. It was his first fight under new trainer Colin Nathan, having made the move after the retirement of renowned trainer Nick Durandt, who tragically died last week in a motorbike accident.
Prior to the bout, Mthalane told the press that he would be dedicating this fight to Durandt – and he did not disappoint. Mthalane varied his attack between the head and body and despite Libranza trying his best, it was clear from the second round that there was only going to be one winner.
Mthalane made every punch count, hardly missing with a blow. Eventually, the Phillipino got caught by a devastating body punch that put him down for the count, resulting in him having to receive treatment in the ring for several minutes.