Philippines, 28 Jul 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Fight Report: Malinga, Mathebula win IBF Eliminators in South Africa (PHOTOS)


PhilBoxing.com




In an exciting action-packed fight, IBF world's No. 7 bantamweight Vusi ?Marvelous? Malinga of Ekurhuleni, South Africa, won by unanimous decision over brave Ilocos Sur?s Dayer Gabutan Singwancha tonight at Carnival City Casino in Johannesburg, South Africa, to earn the right to dispute the vacant IBF bantamweight world title.

From the sound of the first bell, Malinga, 33, and Gabutan, 24, went at each other, scoring damaging blows and hurting each other, but Malinga was slightly the more effective fighter displaying good technique and a good left straights throughout the intense twelve rounds.

As a result, the scorecards in favor of Malinga were 115-113, 117-111 and 116-112.

MALINGA-GABUTAN FIGHT REPORT

By all accounts it was a good fight with a thrilling fourth round in which Malinga almost get finished by Gabutan. All because of one big straight punch. But the South African recovered easily. And again in round 11 Gabutan caught Malinga good with a long cross that staggered the South African fighter.

Then in round 12, Gabutan scored a very accurate blow and yet another clear shot on his tough opponent. At that stage Malinga was exhausted, taking cover in a corner, resorting to all sorts of defensive maneuvers.


Gabutan (L) scores on Malinga.


Malinga wins by unanimous decision over Gabutan.


Gabutan's corner, trainers Jun Agrabio, Joven Jorda and manager Brico Santig with Dayer Gabutan after the fight.


The South African ring girls on the Malinga-Gabutan fight.

However, throughout the rumble, the South African southpaw kept on pressing and attack his opponent with mean intentions. As a result, Dayer was caught good in round 5 and then again in round 6. But the brave Filipino managed to escape blackout. Barely. No doubt that Malinga has a good strong left straight.

A setback was an accidental big head butt that opened a one inch cut on Dayer Gabutan's right eye. That affected his performance, of course.

The decision was announced and Dabutan lost by unanimous decision. But It was a big effort from the young world rated Filipino warrior.

Said Filipino promoter/cornerman Brico Santig of Baguio?s Highland Boxing, who accompanied the Filipino team:

"We are proud of our boxer Gabutan. He fought well. Malinga is good. It was a very exciting fight. Pero this time we were not lucky. Boxing is like that.

"What is important is that we are all fine, safe and sound. Better Luck next time. Thank you to all fans for the support. We'll take a rest tonight and fly back to the Philippines."

OTHER RESULTS IN "AFRICAN GLORY 3"

In the main event, former world champion Jeffrey Mathebula ?The Marvelous Moongose? outpointed fellow South African Takalani Ndlovu to win their IBF super bantamweight title eliminator.

In other results, Patrick Malinga and Thompson Mokwana, fighting for South Africa's Lightweight (135 lbs) belt ended their rumble in a draw.

Also, super flyweight Eduard Penerio of Maguindanao lost by knockout in the second round to tough lanky southpaw Zolani Tete. and Shannon Strydom defeated Gideon Mathe in a super lightweight clash.

Penerio lost in the second round. It was a straight and hook combination.

?African Glory 3? tonight at Carnival City Casino was a production of veteran South African promoter Branco Milenkovic of Branco Sports Productions Pty Ltd.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Carlos Costa.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 27 JULY 2026: Tszyu vs Spence, Return of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury Highlight Busy Week
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 28 Jul 2026
  • The Legacy Continues: Team Durán Prepares for Historic Panama-Mexico Showdown
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 28 Jul 2026
  • NM Ric Portugalera Tops Hongkong Blitz Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 28 Jul 2026
  • Nurghali gets second shot at Japparbergenov’s bantamweight title at International Boxing Day in Astana
    , Tue, 28 Jul 2026
  • Champion's Mindset: Gustavo Trujillo Ready to Defend BKB Heavyweight Title Against Mark O'Neil at BKB 58
    , Tue, 28 Jul 2026
  • Spanish boxer Eddine has been Hospitalized in Spain
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 28 Jul 2026
  • PH football in group C, G
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 28 Jul 2026
  • PHILBOXING.COM MONDAY ROUNDUP: Tszyu Outclasses Spence in Sydney as "The Truth" Retires; Heavyweight Drama in Pattaya and Jeddah
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Mon, 27 Jul 2026
  • 'The Fight Is Signed': Hearn Declares Joshua vs. Fury Secured as Mind Games Begin with 'Landlord' Spoof
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Mon, 27 Jul 2026
  • Chezka Centeno wins 3rd world title by ruling the Oneida WPA Women's World 8-Ball Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 27 Jul 2026
  • CARE conducts 6.5mile open water in Davao Gulf
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 27 Jul 2026
  • Mise, Arellano rule Davao-Japan golfest
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 27 Jul 2026
  • Berlanga, Hitchins Win in Zuffa Boxing New York Event
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Mon, 27 Jul 2026
  • World champion Sanzhar Tashkenbay to headline International Boxing Day in Astana
    , Mon, 27 Jul 2026
  • Cyrud "The Ferocious" Cabautan Defeats Michael "D' Power Fist" Diaz in Olympus Rising by TWC Amateur MMA Fight
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 27 Jul 2026
  • USA Boxing Earns Four Wins at 2026 Capri Boxing Cup
    , Mon, 27 Jul 2026
  • Tim Tszyu Dominates Spence in Wide UD Win as 'The Truth' Formally Retires
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 26 Jul 2026
  • Joshua Survives Early Knockdowns to Stop Prenga, Clearing Path for Fury Mega-Fight
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Sun, 26 Jul 2026
  • Weigh-In Results - All Set for the Main Event Between Steven Butler and Edgar Berlanga Tomorrow Night in New York City!
    , Sun, 26 Jul 2026
  • Team USA Set for Capri Boxing Cup Against Italy on Saturday
    , Sun, 26 Jul 2026
  • 'The Comeback' Weigh-In results and confirmed Fight Night running order as AJ faces Prenga
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Sat, 25 Jul 2026
  • Errol Spence vs Tim Tszyu: Do or Die Down Under
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 25 Jul 2026
  • SYDNEY WEIGH-IN REPORT: Spence and Tszyu On Weight; Co-Main Event Cancelled After Fulton Blows Weight
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Sat, 25 Jul 2026
  • Fury Halts Wach in Thailand, Leaving Ball in Joshua’s Court for Mega-Fight
    By NewsHub @ PhilBoxing , , Sat, 25 Jul 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Great First Half of the Year for the WBC
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Sat, 25 Jul 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.