
Libranza-Cafu, Espinas-Tshabalala Make Weight for IBF & WBO Regional Belts in South Africa
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 20 Aug 2023

Cafu (L) and Libranza (R) pose during Saturday's weighin.
Filipino warriors Genisis Libranza, Jesse Espinas and their South African opponents successfully made weight ahead of their Regional Title fights set for today, Sunday August 20, in the Land of Nelson Mandela, LIVE on the SuperSport Channel.
In the main event, Genisis "The Cobra" Libranza fights double world-ranked Phumelele Cafu for the IBF Super Flyweight International Belt, while southpaw Jesse Espinas engages rising-star Mpumelelo Tshabalala for the WBO Light Flyweight Inter-Continental Title.
During weigh-in, the experienced Libranza (20-2, 12 KO's) of Davao made 52.1 kilos (114.9 lbs), looking ready for action.
Libranza being interviewed by South African's Super Sports Channel.
Seconds later, his younger opponent Phumelele Cafu (8-0-3, 7 KO's), came-in at 51.9 kilos (114.4 pounds), appearing confident and strong.
Notably, the unbeaten 18-year-old Cafu is in the world rankings as WBA #13 and IBF #9 in the super flyweight division.
Libranza wants those rankings for himself, as well as that shinning red & golden belt. Will he get them?
CO-MAIN EVENT: ESPINAS AND TSHABALALA MADE WEIGHT FOR THE WBO INTER-CONTINENTAL 108 STRAP.
In the co-main event, the hard-swinging Pinoy "Little Giant" Jesse Espinas scaled-in a bit low at 48.4 kilos (106.7 lbs).
Meanwhile, his opponent Mpumelelo Tshabalala stepped-on at 48.7 Kgs (107.4 pounds), for their battle for the vacant WBO Light Flyweight (108 pounds) Inter-Continental Strap.
Tshabalala (L) and Espinas (R) are ready to rumble after making weight Saturday in South Africa.
Last October, Tshabalala (9-1, 5 KO's), who is the reigning South African 108-pound National champion, out-boxed and out-smarted Zamboangueño Melvin Manangquil (7-9-4, 1 KO), for a win by points.
And Tshabalala feels that he can do the same to Jesse Espinas (21-6, 12 KO's). Can he?
Careful. The talented South African might find out during battle that Espinas is a far more dangerous and capable enemy.
A native of Misamis Occidental in Southern Philippines, Jesse Espinas is not only a seasoned boxer, owner of decent firepower, but also a fighter of confidence, ring knowledge and focus.
Who will get the win, as well as the regional WBO strap and a place in the world rankings?
The exciting evening of boxing in the Rainbow Nation is a production of Ayanda Matiti of Xaba Promotions, chairman of the Boxing Promoters Association of South Africa.
Good luck to all, May the Best Men Win!
The author, boxing writer Carlos Costa, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Filipino FIDE Master Roel Abelgas finishes second in Hongkong rapid chess
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 03 Aug 2025Cañizales defeats Pradabsri and wins WBC title in Venezuela
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 02 Aug 2025PH's Nouri snags blitz gold in Asian Amateur Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 02 Aug 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: The Boxer
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 02 Aug 2025Duarte vs. Sims Jr. Title Eliminator Official: All Fighters Make Weight in Chicago
Sat, 02 Aug 2025ALLEN v MAKHMUDOV, SUGAR NUNEZ IN MEXICO AND MORE AS MATCHROOM BOXING CONFIRMS HUGE AUTUMN LINE-UP – LIVE ON DAZN
Sat, 02 Aug 2025Undaloc Jr. leads BBG 300 Ultra Marathon
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 02 Aug 2025Round One: Dr. Bernard Remollino Brings Pancho Villa Back Into the Ring
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Fri, 01 Aug 2025Panya Pradabsri, Carlos Cañizales Make Weight for WBC 108 World Title Rematch in Venezuela
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 01 Aug 2025“NOWHERE TO RUN” OSCAR “LA MIGRAÑA” DUARTE VS. KENNETH “BOSSMAN” SIMS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 01 Aug 2025Pabular to make 1st title defense on Aug. 12
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 01 Aug 2025Tacurong excited to play in Buhangin slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 01 Aug 2025Kenneth “Lover Boy” Llover vs Former Champ Luis “Nica” Concepcion August 17 in Manila!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 31 Jul 2025Xiao Time: Where History Pulls No Punches
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Thu, 31 Jul 2025Vargas Speaks After Retaining WBA Bantamweight Title in Gritty Battle with Daigo Higa in Japan
Thu, 31 Jul 2025