Maridzo loses to Liebenberg in South Africa

By The NewsDay | Jul. 11, 2012 | 2 Min read

JOHANNESBURG — Ryno Liebenberg beat Tineyi Maridzo of Zimbabwe on points at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, on Monday night. The undefeated SA super-middleweight, who had won each of his previous seven fights by knockout, had to go the full distance for the first time and had to settle for a majority decision over eight rounds. […]

JOHANNESBURG — Ryno Liebenberg beat Tineyi Maridzo of Zimbabwe on points at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, on Monday night.

The undefeated SA super-middleweight, who had won each of his previous seven fights by knockout, had to go the full distance for the first time and had to settle for a majority decision over eight rounds. Judges Joe Chaane and Wally Snowball scored it 79-76 and 78-74 for Liebenberg and Neville Hotz had it 76-76.

The tall Liebenberg, who weighed in at 72,40kg, boxed from behind his jab throughout and controlled the fight in most of the rounds.

Maridzo (74,20kg) sporadically landed some big shots, but not enough to take command.

Liebenberg improved his record to 8-0, with seven knockouts. Maridzo’s record dropped to a reported 9-7; 2.

Referee Thabo Spampool ordered two of Liebenberg’s assistants to leave his corner because they were “coaching” the fighter.

Former SA light-heavyweight champion Johnny Muller (83,35kg) boxed well before stopping the taller Khayeni Hlungwane (85,60kg) two minutes six seconds into the third round of a junior heavyweight bout scheduled for six.

In the best fight of the night lightweight Warren Joubert (60,90kg) powered his way to points victory over six rounds against the gutsy Ashley Dlamini (60,85kg).

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Dlamini went down for counts in the first and fifth rounds in a real toe-to-toe slugfest before Joubert won 58-53, 58-54 and 59-52.

In a junior welterweight bout, Jason Bedeman (63,15kg) stopped Takalane Dangala (62,70kg) in spectacular fashion (two minutes 26 seconds into the third round.

Lightweight Grant Fourie (61,10kg) appeared to have done enough to take the decision in an entertaining six-rounder against Koos Sibiya (60,85kg). However, two judges scored it 58-56 for Sibiya and the other had it 57-57.

Other results: Flyweight Thabang Ramagole (50,35kg) beat Collen Tloubatla (48,90kg) by tko in the third round and junior welterweight Paul Kamanga (63,35kg) beat Sibusiso Masilela (63,50kg), by tko in the fourth round.

Jeff, Ellis of African Ring and Golden Gloves Promotions, presented an evening of fine boxing.