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.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
A Day of Surprises as Boston, OKC Win to Go Up 3-1, Tie Series 2-2
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 14 May 2024Fore Ever Golf on June 15-16 at Palos
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 14 May 2024Back to drawing board
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 14 May 2024Goricki scores two knockout victories in Venezuela
Tue, 14 May 2024Casimero Top Candidate as Inoue Foe in UK Super Bout?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 14 May 2024Granite Chin's pro boxing results from Quincy, Massachusetts
Tue, 14 May 2024Undefeated Austin Brooks to defend his WBA Continental USA Featherweight title vs. 2016 Armenian Olympian Aran Avagyan
Tue, 14 May 2024Pro boxer bids for Paris slot
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 13 May 2024PPV.COM's Chris Algieri's Fury vs Usyk Preview Analysis
Mon, 13 May 2024AGM Reu Sebolino tops QC chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 13 May 2024Indiana, Denver Tie Semis Series, 2-2, in Contrasting Fashion
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 13 May 2024Dableo sweeps Sicilian Prodigy tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 13 May 2024Taniguchi Stops Absede in 5; Japan Goes 3 for 5 in Korea
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Mon, 13 May 2024COPA Summer Novice Age Group on May 18
Mon, 13 May 2024Paras Upsets Kyugochi in S. Korea; Kyugochi Mulls Retirement
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Sun, 12 May 2024