South African boxer Phumelele Cafu has etched his name in the annals of boxing history after a hard-fought victory over Japan’s Kosei Tanaka to win the WBO Super Flyweight title. The electrifying bout took place at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo on Monday, with Cafu emerging victorious through a split decision in front of a partisan Japanese crowd.
In a battle that showcased his resilience and tactical brilliance, Cafu delivered a pivotal knockdown in the fifth round, which played a crucial role in his eventual triumph. The two judges, Phil Austin and Waleska Roldan, both scored the fight 114-113 in favor of the South African, while Jesse Reyes gave Tanaka the same scoreline.
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A jubilant Cafu expressed his emotions after the win, recognizing the tough challenge that Tanaka presented. “I’m very, very happy to have won this title,” Cafu said. “It was not an easy fight. Tanaka is a tough and quick boxer. I expected that from him, so I waited for him to make a mistake, and then I dropped him. I thought I could finish him off, but he wasn’t out yet. That knockdown really made a big difference.”
Cafu, born in Duncan Village, showed remarkable composure throughout the fight despite the pressure of competing in enemy territory. The victory marks a significant moment in his career, securing him the prestigious WBO Super Flyweight belt and enhancing his reputation on the global boxing stage.
As Cafu soaks in the moment of his well-earned triumph, the boxing world eagerly awaits what’s next for the newly crowned champion.