South African boxer Phumelele Cafu won the WBO Super Flyweight title after defeating four-weight world champion Kosei Tanaka in Tokyo, Japan.
The split decision victory came with scores of 114-113 from all three judges, with two favouring Cafu.
“I’m speechless. This is everything I’ve ever wanted, my whole life, my whole career. Now I’ve finally got it. Thanks to the Japanese fans for welcoming me,” said Cafu.
The decisive moment of the fight came in the fifth round when Cafu landed a powerful right-hand punch that sent Tanaka to the canvas.
While Tanaka remained the busier fighter, pressing forward and bloodying Cafu’s mouth and nose, the South African’s clean punches ultimately made the difference.
Cafu’s victory marks a significant comeback for the South African boxing team in Japan, following Sivenathi Nontshinga’s loss on Saturday.
Nontshinga, who faced Masamichi Yabuki in the IBF junior flyweight fight, suffered a ninth-round stoppage after being knocked down three times, with referee Mark Calo-oy ending the fight without a count.
