Sibulela Soboois crowned as new WBO Africa flyweight champ

Sibulela Soboois, hailed by many as the star of female boxing, lived up to expectations when she effortlessly dethroned Smangele “Smash” Hadebe as the WBO Africa flyweight champ over eight rounds on Saturday evening. Nicknamed “Lova”, the left hander from Khayelitsha in the Western Cape, is a former multiple SA amateur champion whose skills are being honed by Xolani Kemka. Soboois was named Best Junior female boxer at the 2018 SANABO National Championships.

The boxers reciprocated with spirited performances — much to the delight of big crowds, which got involved emotionally with cheers, singing and dancing. Soboois remained undefeated after five fights while Hadebe suffered her fifth defeat in 22 matches. The newly crowned champion had it all — awkwardness from a left hander, timing, well calculated punch placement, crisp punches and confidence.

She began round one as the aggressor, pushing Hadebe backwards, tucking in her chin to protect herself from the champion’s usually durable counters. Soboois displayed her toughness in rounds two and three, standing up to Hadebe’s punches and trading with her again, this time landing telling straight punches.