Komani-born boxer, Sabelo ‘Saint’ Ngebiyana, is the new IBF international bantamweight champion after winning the vacant title by technical knockout in the fifth-round, beating Ashley Sexton who ended up in hospital.
The fight took place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, in the United Kingdom.
Ngebiyana first dropped Sexton in round four before going for a massive hit in the fifth, forcing the referee to intervene. The knockout left Sexton in hospital for five days due to bleeding on the brain and forced him to retire from boxing.
Ngebiyana says he is saddened to see Sexton retire because of that injury. However, he is happy to win the fight, as it will open more doors for him internationally.
“To be quiet honest, it was so sad to see that the injury was that serious to force him to retire,” said Ngebiyana.
“When we got into the ring, the target is to win the fight not to hurt the opponent.
“But, I am happy that I won the fight because it will open more doors for me in the world of international boxing.”
The 30-year-old Ngebiyana started boxing in Komani for one of the oldest boxing clubs in the country, Queenstown Boys’ Boxing Club, under the leadership of Mabhuti Mapeyi, who also serves as the secretary of Chris Hani Amateur Boxing Organisation (CHABO).
Mapeyi, who was Ngebiyana’s first coach at QBBC, was very happy with his success throughout his career.
“I am so happy that another boxer from Komani is making waves on the international stage,” said Mapeyi.
“Ngebiyana left Komani for Cape Town as an amateur and with solid foundation he turned professional and never looked back.
“This win will push him up the rankings and push him onto much bigger titles and we are happy for him,” said Mapeyi.
Ngebiyana’s next fight is in July and he might face Paul Butler in either the UK or USA, with date still to be confirmed.
