27 Sep 2017

A fierce battle is expected when Onkarabile ‘Ironman’ Mothibedi comes face to face with his South African opponent, Thamsanqa Cele in the Independence eve professional boxing bonanza  organised by Melroy Promotions at Big Five Lodge.

This will be Mothibedi’s second professional fight, and  a lot is expected from him given that it is organised by his own stable, Melroy Promotions.

In his first professional fight in April, he outclassed his Zambian opponent, Bernard Mwango. 

Cele should expect a fierce battle from Mothibedi given that he is fast and likes to control the pace of the fight and attack from all angles.

Mothibedi also knows the importance of winning the Friday bout. He said in an interview that he was ready for the battle, adding that together with his coach, Larona Francis, they had prepared well.

“I have been training and personally I am waiting for the fight. I know the importance of fighting in front of the home crowd, and I am not under any pressure. I am just going to execute our plan,” he said.

Furthermore, Mothibedi said his opponent was a closed book to him, but that it would come in handy for him because he would be there to fight and win his bout.

His coach, he said, had a lot of experience in professional boxing and that he was confident that what they had been doing in preparation for the fight would bear fruit.

“Mind you professional boxing is very different from amateur boxing so we have a serious game plan, and we are sure of a win against Thamsanqa. He is experienced but all that I can say is bring him on,” he said.

Mothibedi’s manager, Isaac Pheko said his boxer was an exciting fighter who used both hands and feet during a fight.

He said the boxer had a high work rate in the ring, and preferred to control the pace of the fight. He added that he was confident that he would give spectators value for their money.

“This would be his second professional fight, and if he wins against Cele and three upcoming fights, he will be a title contender. And if all goes well, we might see him next year this time preparing to fight for an Africa title,” he said.

Furthermore, Pheko noted that there would  be an undercard to support the main bout, noting that Thato Monabana from Lobatse would face Thabiso Mpolokeng from Bond Boxing Promotions.

In other bouts, Tshepo Khutloeng will fight against Maiketso Moreki. In the welterweight division, Tshepiso Mokgadi will battle it out with Tshepiso Thobela of South Africa.

The 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games bronze medalist, Robby Botshelo will slug it out with Modiri Sanyathi. ENDS