Local provincial flyweight boxing champion Rofhiwa "Topis Dangerous" Maphupha's chances of fighting for a national title belt next year took a major blow when he was stopped in the ninth round by Nhlakanipho Kunene at the Escort Hall in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday (15th).
According to his training manager, Paul "Cruel Vulture" Masindi, Maphupha was ahead on points when he was dropped by his opponent in the ninth round. Masindi immediately threw in the towel to prevent further damage.
"It was one of the toughest fights in his boxing career, but he was doing very well. After the knockdown, I could see that he was looking dazed, and I had to throw in the towel to save him from further punishment," he said.
Speaking to Limpopo Mirror from his hotel room on Monday morning, Maphupha said he was still surprised by the punch that had knocked him down. "As I had a height advantage, I was jabbing and landing accurate punches while dancing around the ring. I didn't want a close fight as I know he's a banger. I never saw that punch coming. All I saw was my trainer throwing in the towel, and I knew it was over," he said.
When asked if he still had a future in boxing after being knocked down twice by opponents this year, Maphupha remained optimistic. "I'm very confident that I will win the national title next year. I'm just going to rest for two weeks before going back to the gym. Believe me, nothing will stop me from becoming a national champion before I challenge for the world title," he said.
In the main bout, Sakhile Hlatswayo defeated Amel Lubisi by knockout in the second round to claim the WBF Junior Flyweight International title.