Sikelela Xatasi wrapped in his new Western Cape junior lightweight title. Unbeaten in six, Xatasi, said his next step is the SA title. In the picture, he is flanked by his trainer, Tyron Lloyd and on his right, promoter Jack Brice, alongside politician Marius Fransman. On the far right is promoter David Faas. Picture: Lonwabo Marele
Sikelela “The Six” Xatasi extended his unbeaten streak to six wins, clinching the Western Cape junior lightweight championship title, at a Jackie Brice Boxing Promotions and David Faas’ Boxing Production, in Ottery, on Friday, August 30.
Xatasi (6-0) handed Mava Sitoto (2-1), from Philippi, his first professional defeat, with a sixth round stoppage, at Vibrant Sports Studios.
“I told you I am going to break this guy down and I did it. I won it. We knew he was going to come with that energy from round one and along the way he was going to get tired. We were just pacing ourselves. As the coach said, ‘keep it cool, keep it light, keep on boxing and break the guy down,” said Xatasi.
The new junior lightweight champion said in the fourth and fifth round, he recognised Sitoto's energy flagging and he increased his tempo.
Early in the sixth round, Six hit “The Marvel” with a right hook that knocked his mouthpiece out. While referee Sipho Ndongeni paused the fight to retrieve it, he saw Sitoto limping. The impact of the punch had affected his recently injured right knee, leading to a technical knockout.
The community of Mfuleni, Noordhoek and Fish Hoek came out in numbers to celebrate Xatasi, who, throughout the win, remained humble.
“It’s all about hard work and dedication. Make sure that you work hard in everything that you do,” said the new provincial junior lightweight champion, Xatasi.
His trainer, Tyron Lloyd, said the TKO was a result of Xatasi’s commitment to the sport, both in and out of the ring.
“They underestimate how hard Sikelela works. Not just in the ring, outside of the boxing ring too. It is not just about talent. It is not just about hard work. It’s not just about the mindset. It is all three together and that is what he has,” said Lloyd.
“There were a lot of doubts knowing that I am a new trainer. But, people don’t know what we know. Our gym is different, we do not work as individuals, we work as a team,” said Lloyd.
Promoter Jack Brice said it was one of the best fights of the night.
“What a fight between Xatasi and Sitoto. Until then it was quite, even I thought. A knee injury that has been troubling Sitoto for the last two months occurred, but Jackie Brice paid all the medical bills and made sure he was in a good condition when he was released. We thought there is definitely a rematch in the making. We will be taking him over and looking after him as well so it’s all good,” he said.
On Monday, September 2, Brice announced the venue for his next event. The CTICC will host a wine and dine, featuring two South African title fights and a WBF International World title fight, on Friday September 27.