By Ron Jackson
Middleweight Khaphathe Mphambanyeni retained his South African title when he fought to a draw over twelve rounds with Christopher Buthelezi at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban on Thursday afternoon. Mphambanyeni (6-1-1, 6 KOs) from the Limpopo Province won the vacant title in September this year when he stopped Mthokozisi Malinga in the fifth round, was making his first defence against the mandatory challenger Buthelezi (15-12-2, 6 KOs) from Lamontville, Durban. In a mauling and untidy contest the shorter Buthelezi kept boring in and smothering his taller opponent and with neither fighter dominating a draw was possibly a fair reflection of the fight. One judge scored it for Buthelezi and the other one had it for Mphambanyeni, whilst the third called it a draw. The tournament was presented by Thulani Magudulela.
