Johannesburg - South African lightweight title holder Thompson “Silence Destroyer” Mokwana has vowed to punish his former stablemate Simpiwe “V12” Vetyeka when they square up for the vacant World Boxing Association Africa championship belt at the Orient Theatre in East London on March 30.
The seasoned pugilists meet in a mouth-watering six-bout boxing tournament presented by Boxing SA 2017 promoter of the year Ayanda Matiti of Xaba Promotions and Events. The Gauteng-based lightweight national champ has had three failed attempts at wrenching the belt away from three-time world champion Vetyeka.
The 33-year-old national champion has vowed to “destroy” Vetyeka.
“Vetyeka has had his time. He played his part in representing the country with honour and dignity in the international boxing arena.
“Now it’s my time to shine. I have never been this well prepared for a fight,” said Mokwana. “I will destroy this man in front of his home fans in a way that he will regret taking this fight.”
Mokwana hails from Jane Furse in Limpopo. He failed to beat Namibian Emmanuel Tagoe when they met for the then vacant crown eight years ago. On his second attempt against Tagoe’s countryman Paulus Moses, the bout was declared a non-contest after they accidentally bashed heads in the second round. He lost the rematch on points. Mokwana and Vetyeka said not much must be read from their sparring sessions when they were still stablemates.
They trained together at Smith’s Gym in Fourways when Mokwana was preparing for his last contest against Lerato Dlamini in the Super Four featherweight competition.
He moved up two divisions after a defeat, citing weight problems in the featherweight division.
Vetyeka said a victory was important because it would bring him back to top-flight boxing.
“After a defeat, one needs a win to boost morale and I have to pull a victory on this one, which will bring me back into the limelight.”