Fight Report: Malinga, Mathebula win IBF Eliminators in South Africa (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 24 Mar 2013
In an exciting action-packed fight, IBF world's No. 7 bantamweight Vusi ?Marvelous? Malinga of Ekurhuleni, South Africa, won by unanimous decision over brave Ilocos Sur?s Dayer Gabutan Singwancha tonight at Carnival City Casino in Johannesburg, South Africa, to earn the right to dispute the vacant IBF bantamweight world title.
From the sound of the first bell, Malinga, 33, and Gabutan, 24, went at each other, scoring damaging blows and hurting each other, but Malinga was slightly the more effective fighter displaying good technique and a good left straights throughout the intense twelve rounds.
As a result, the scorecards in favor of Malinga were 115-113, 117-111 and 116-112.
MALINGA-GABUTAN FIGHT REPORT
By all accounts it was a good fight with a thrilling fourth round in which Malinga almost get finished by Gabutan. All because of one big straight punch. But the South African recovered easily. And again in round 11 Gabutan caught Malinga good with a long cross that staggered the South African fighter.
Then in round 12, Gabutan scored a very accurate blow and yet another clear shot on his tough opponent. At that stage Malinga was exhausted, taking cover in a corner, resorting to all sorts of defensive maneuvers.
Gabutan (L) scores on Malinga.
Malinga wins by unanimous decision over Gabutan.
Gabutan's corner, trainers Jun Agrabio, Joven Jorda and manager Brico Santig with Dayer Gabutan after the fight.
The South African ring girls on the Malinga-Gabutan fight.
However, throughout the rumble, the South African southpaw kept on pressing and attack his opponent with mean intentions. As a result, Dayer was caught good in round 5 and then again in round 6. But the brave Filipino managed to escape blackout. Barely. No doubt that Malinga has a good strong left straight.
A setback was an accidental big head butt that opened a one inch cut on Dayer Gabutan's right eye. That affected his performance, of course.
The decision was announced and Dabutan lost by unanimous decision. But It was a big effort from the young world rated Filipino warrior.
Said Filipino promoter/cornerman Brico Santig of Baguio?s Highland Boxing, who accompanied the Filipino team:
"We are proud of our boxer Gabutan. He fought well. Malinga is good. It was a very exciting fight. Pero this time we were not lucky. Boxing is like that.
"What is important is that we are all fine, safe and sound. Better Luck next time. Thank you to all fans for the support. We'll take a rest tonight and fly back to the Philippines."
OTHER RESULTS IN "AFRICAN GLORY 3"
In the main event, former world champion Jeffrey Mathebula ?The Marvelous Moongose? outpointed fellow South African Takalani Ndlovu to win their IBF super bantamweight title eliminator.
In other results, Patrick Malinga and Thompson Mokwana, fighting for South Africa's Lightweight (135 lbs) belt ended their rumble in a draw.
Also, super flyweight Eduard Penerio of Maguindanao lost by knockout in the second round to tough lanky southpaw Zolani Tete. and Shannon Strydom defeated Gideon Mathe in a super lightweight clash.
Penerio lost in the second round. It was a straight and hook combination.
?African Glory 3? tonight at Carnival City Casino was a production of veteran South African promoter Branco Milenkovic of Branco Sports Productions Pty Ltd.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.
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