By: Saneliso Mlambo
South African pugilistic Sports set for another big moment.
Following Moruti Mthalane’s second successful defense of his IBF flyweight title in Tokyo, Japan – Thulani “Tulz” Mbenge will also be looking to raise the South African flag high while defending his IBO crown in Germany on Saturday July 6.
The 27-year old Mdantsane born fighter who is a 2014 commonwealth games bronze medalist was also crowned male boxer of the year during the South African Boxing awards ceremony in 2018.
He will be jetting off to Germany to put his unbeaten record in a test against Sebastian Formella in Hamburg. The knockout artist Mbenge holds a record of 12 knockouts from his 15 wins and still remains undefeated. He has recorded victories against the likes of Diego Cruz, Miguel Vasques and Gabriel Chaves.
Mbenge understands the importance of his upcoming fight.
His opponent from Lauensburg, Schleswig-holstein, Germany- Sebastian Formella is the WBO European Champion. The 32-year-old undefeated Champion has won all 20 of his previous bouts.
This will be Mbenge’s first trip outside South Africa as a professional boxer. The former SA and ABU Champion’s previous overseas trips came during his amateur days.
Mbenge is calm ahead of the challenge.
“I am feeling great, its been a good camp and we took our time. I am happy with what we have right now.” he said.
He added:”Its my first time as as a pro, but it is not a shocker because i have been fighting overseas as an amateur. so i am happy we tapping into a new market and i cant wait.”
“To the boxing and sport fans they must expect an explosive fight and i am feeling great so its going to be one of the power performances from me. I promise positive results.”
Mbenge last fought in December 2018. The upcoming bout will be his second defense of the IBO championship which he claimed when he defeated Argentinian Diego Gabriel Chavez after several rounds in June 2018 at the Emperors palace in Kempton Park. His first successful defense was against the Mexican Miguel Vazquez via a ninth-round stoppage victory.