Shoulder injury costs Bagwasi WBF title

Calistus Kolantsho | Monday June 12, 2023 16:00

The two clashed in the much anticipated bout held at the GICC on Friday night. Bagwasi went into the match with a record of 8-1-0 while Lunga held a record of 15-1-0. Bagwasi lost his title after picking a shoulder injury in the second round of the six rounds that were set for the title defence.

The DRAD boxing stable boxer won the title from Tanzania’s Said Chino in August last year. The African Boxing Union (ABU) champion, Lunga went away with the title and a P150,000 prize money.

The loss has dented Bagwasi record which stands at 10 fights, eight wins and two losses. The WBF president, Howard Goldberg has promised to assist Bagwasi with medical attention and another title shot. Bagwasi told Sport Monitor that the shoulder was still troublesome. He said a scan has been lined-up this week including a possible surgery.

“I have to do a scan this week and see if I have to go for surgery or not. When the fight started, I was in good shape, even during warm up I did not feel any pain. In other bouts, Kutlwano El Chino Ogaketse of DRAD boxing club picked a remarkable win from Lens Ngoy of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Junior Welterweight six rounder, which was the main supporting bout.

Kagiso Bagwasi walked away with a win against Gerisse Wangui from DRC. Meanwhile, Boifang Kenaope picked an easy win against Moreki Maiketso in the lightweight bout, with a TKO in round two.

Kenaope told Sport Monitor after two more fights he will be ready to challenge for a title. Mmoloki Thipe did not fight giving Romeo Nkisa free points while Tebogo Rennei picked a win against Edward Matlhare. Rennei faced off Matlhare while Thipe was up against Hobyane of South Africa in the four rounds of the featherweight battle. Another bout saw Nkisa stepping into the ring against Ditshwene in the bantamweight division.