The much-anticipated Survival of the Fittest boxing fight ended controversially after Limpopo's Akani Sambu was declared champion, following his bout against Sabelo Cebekhulu from KwaZulu-Natal. The event took place on the night of Friday, 27 June, at Khoroni Casino Hotel in Thohoyandou and was organised by Mama Rocks Promotions.
The packed venue erupted with chants of "Sambu, Sambu" from the first round of the 10-round fight, which was attended by notable figures, including Limpopo's MEC for Sport, Art and Culture Jerry Maseko, MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Tshitereke Matibe, Thovhele Gole Mphaphuli, Vhamusanda Livhuwani Matsila, and Limpopo Champions promotion head Phatutshedzo "Don King" Dongola.
Born and raised in Gidjamandeni village near Malamulele, Sambu was announced the winner. However, several prominent former boxers expressed concern that Sambu might have received preferential treatment, noting that two of the three judges were from Limpopo — his home province.
World Boxing Federation (WBF) president Howard Goldberg issued a statement promising to send the recorded fight to his colleagues in Germany and France for review and advice. Two judges, Michael Phiri and Gezani Hlungwani, scored the fight 95-91 and 97-93 in favour of Sambu, while the third judge, Pumeza Zinakile from Gauteng, scored it 95-93 for Cebekhulu.
Suspicion was first raised after a questionable decision in an earlier bout, where Tebogo Rennie from Botswana lost a six-round fight against Cedric Chauke, with all the judges hailing from Limpopo. This controversial ruling appeared to motivate Rennie's compatriot, Mmusi Tswiige, who defeated local fighter Humbulani Netshamutshedzi decisively in just about a minute into the fourth round.
"While we cannot change the decision now," Goldberg said, "if my colleagues agree that Cebekhulu deserved the win, my first demand will be for a rematch with neutral judges."
In a separate incident, Mokadi's slow count allowed Sambu to rise before the full count to ten.
Meanwhile, other fights on the card saw convincing wins: Nosiacwase Dube secured a unanimous points victory over Malawi's Loveness Khokha in a 10-round bout, with scores of 98-92, 98-91, and 99-91. Talent Baloyi defeated Bernard Mwango from Zambia over six rounds with scores of 60-53 (twice) and 60-54.
Former international welterweight champion Jabulani Makhense quickly dispatched Charles Misanjo from Malawi in under two minutes, while Raider Muleba earned a unanimous points win over Zimbabwe's Chiedza Homokoma in their six-round fight.