Muller edges Shihepo in titanic battle
Johnny Muller defeated Wilbeforce Shihepo of Namibia, via split-decision, in a bloody epic clash for the vacant WBC Silver International light heavyweight title at Emperors Palace’s Theatre of Marcellus on Saturday evening, March 1.
The 23-year-old South African was on the backfoot early on in the bout after a firing start from the “Black Mamba”, who landed powerful blows to claim the early ascendency in a fight, which turned out closer than expected.
Two of the three judges scored the 12-round bout 116-113, 116-114 in favour of Muller, with the third judge scoring it 113-114 in favour of Shihepo.
Muller, who’s affectionately known as “The Hurricane”, fought eight rounds with his face coated with blood after suffering a cut on top of his left eye, and later, his right eye as a result of taking blows from the powerful, broad-shouldered Shihepo.
Shihepo, 31, lost a point for foul play in the sixth round, which included tinges of WWE action, with both fighters wrestling their way to the canvas several times.
After absorbing much pounding punishment, Muller’s never-say-die attitude came to the fore in round 10, as he went after a tiring Shihepo with lefts and rights, and following it up in the eleventh round with some clean shots to the Namibian international.
All was not lost for the Black Mamba though, with Golden Gloves’ Rodney Berman announcing after the battle, that both Muller and Shihepo will be involved in the Super Six event later this year.
In the night’s second title match, Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler could not have had a better night.
The WBA/IBO strawweight world title holder made quick work of Karluis Diaz with a surprising right blow, which left the Colombian floored, 2.59 minutes into round one.
Budler used his defensive speed and awareness to duck from a Diaz shot before delivering the decisive blow to secure the knockout win.
“I love fighting here at my home Emperors Palace, thank you,” said Budler, in a post-match interview.
The champion was also awarded an IBO championship ring for five successful title defences – which was followed up by his announcement of his wedding in November.
In a match which saw rhino metaphors being thrown around by a strong Ugandan support crew, Ryno Liebenberg beat Uganda’s own Joey Vegas at 2.56 minutes of the first round via TKO for the vacant WBC Gold International light heavyweight title.
“Rhinos are getting extinct, this is the last one,” shouted one of Vegas’ fans.
A constant shout of “stop rhino-poaching” could be heard throughout the fight.
Liebenberg was left grateful after the bout.
“Thank you to all my fans, thank you to my wife for supporting me and my hectic training camp, thank you to my coach Colin Nathan.”
Other results:
* Featherweight – four rounds: Ricardo beat via TKO Phumudzo Monyai at 1.04 minutes of round round three.
* Junior flyweight – six rounds: Sibusiso Twani beat Thabang Ramagole via unanimous decision.
* Junior welterweight – six rounds: Adam de Moor beat Jeff Otembio via unanimous points decision.
