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Libranza vs Cafu, Espinas vs Tshalala in IBF & WBO Battles Sunday in South Africa By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Fri, 18 Aug 2023  Cafu (L) and Libranza (R) at a presser in South Africa. Filipinos big-heart warriors Genisis Libranza and Jesse Espinas have arrived in the Rainbow Nation ahead of their Regional Title fights in the Land of Nelson Mandela. Libranza fights Cafu, while Espinas engages Tshabalala. Here, I write for you about the two fights: In the main event, South African skilled, hard-hitting, world-ranked 18-year-old Phumelele Cafu (8-0-3, 7 KO's), of Duncan Village, Eastern Cape, will face far more-experienced opponent, a former world-title challenger "The Cobra" Genisis Libranza (20-2, 12 KO's) of Davao, Philippines. Hot, well-trained warriors, Cafu and Libranza are set to battle for the red & golden IBF International Super Flyweight Title this coming Sunday, August 20, at the Orlando Community Hall, Soweto, Gauteng, South Africa, televised LIVE on the SuperSport Channel, The World of Champions. But the IBF strap is not only at stake in this fight because the young Cafu will also be putting up his double world-ranking on the line of fire. Specifically, the South African unbeaten rising-star is the WBA #13, as well as IBF #9 world-ranked in the super flyweight (junior bantamweight) division. At age 18, it is indeed a fantastic achievement to be in the world rankings of two major sanctioning bodies. The "Cobra" Libranza wants those rankings, as well as belt. The Filipino thinks he can get it. Yes, after claiming wins in China, in his native Philippines, in Carson, California, as well as a KO win at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the world-class Filipino "Cobra" Libranza feels that his wide experience and ring-savvy are enough to move the needle on his favor. Furthermore, there is added motivation for Libranza to return to South Africa to score a win. That is because it was in South Africa where the 29-year-old Libranza suffered one of the only two setbacks in his 10-year, 22-fight boxing career. That defeat in South Africa unfolded 6 years ago when Libranza was a 23-year-old challenging none other than then world champ "Baby Face Assassin" Moruti Mthalane (40-3, 26 KO's). Libranza's clash against the crafty Mthalane was for the IBO Flyweight World Title, a clash in which Libranza got over-powered by the talented "Baby Face Assassin." Then, fans ponder: Will the experience of the Filipino "Cobra" Libranza be too much for the still teenager Phumelele Cafu? Are the handlers of the young world-ranked Phumelele Cafu (you may see him in the attached photo), making Cafu bite off more than he can chew? Or will the promising, hard-hitting South African youngster prove to his promoter and his fans in South African that he already possesses enough boxing capabilities to deal with a 20-2 fighter like "Cobra" Libranza? Be sure of this: Cafu wants to shine bright in this special, televised evening for the IBF International Title, claiming on the way a higher place in the IBF World Rankings in the super Flyweight division.  CO-MAIN EVENT: TSHABALALA FIGHTS ESPINAS FOR WBO INTER-CONTINENTAL In the co-feature, hard-swinging Filipino Jesse Espinas engages South African rising-star Mpumelelo Tshabalala for the vacant WBO Light Flyweight Inter-Continental strap. The rumble will mark the 2nd time that the well-trained Tshabalala trades blows against a fighter from the Land of Manny Pacquiao. Last October, Tshabalala (9-1, 5 KO's), the reigning South African 108-pound National champ out-boxed Zamboangueño Filipino Melvin Manangquil (7-9-4, 1 KO) for a win by points. However, without a doubt Jesse Espinas (21-6, 12 KO's), is a far more difficult opponent. The native of Oroquieta City in Misamis Occidental, Southern Philippines, Jesse Espinas is not only a seasoned boxer and the owner of decent firepower, but also a fighter of confidence and focus. Also, it will be Jesse Espinas' 4th fight outside of his beloved Philippines. His prior 3 combats behind enemy lines were hot knockout wins in Thailand. Could he do that same ravaging thing in South Africa as well? Could the Filipino Jesse Espinas score another stoppage win, this time in South Africa, similar to the knockout win that his compatriot, world-ranked Jayr Raquinel (15-2-1, 12 KO's), recently scored in the Rainbow Nation? Or will it be the popular local champ Mpumelelo Tshabalala of Gauteng, South Africa, the one to control, dictate the pace and out-smart the Pinoy Jesse Espinas in the same way he did to Manangquil, conquering the biggest win in his 6-year pro boxing career? Mpumelelo Tshabalala vs Jesse Espinas is a fight for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental bel; the winner likely earning a place in the world rankings. CELEBRATING "NELSON MANDELA AS A BOXER" Importantly, this formal, black-tie boxing show aims to honor the life of hero of humanity Nelson Mandela, specifically, the life of the beloved "Madiba" as a boxer. In fact, this one event is one of the highlights of South Africa's boxing calendar. An annual event is now on its 8th year, celebrating Nelson Mandela as a boxer. A fact perhaps not that well known, is that the Nobel Peace Laureate Nelson Mandela loved boxing throughout his long, marvelous life. Considered by many to be the father of South Africa, Mandela loved boxing, trained in boxing and fought amateur boxing matches. In his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela wrote “Boxing is egalitarian. In the ring, rank, age, color, and wealth are irrelevant." Such wise words from one of the most inspiring and awesome men in human history. This exciting evening of international boxing on Sunday, August 20, is a production of Ayanda Matiti of Xaba Promotions, the chairman of the Boxing Promoters Association of South Africa. Good luck to all, May the Best Men Win! The author, boxing writer Carlos Costa, can be reached at carlos@philboxing.com and WhatsApp +639184538152. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.  |
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