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Javier Alvarez didn't have a chance. Regardless of his own experience and his opponents' skills, the crowd of boxing fans gathered to support his opponent, Mzonke Fana, proved his biggest challenge and probably contributed to his eventual loss. Current Champion Mzonke Fana faced Alvarez in Klerksdorp's James Motlatsi Hall on 31 August, but ultimately walked away with his title still intact. 

The crowd support for the “Rose of Khayelitsha”, as Fana is known, was electrifying, with the entire hall on its feet at one point, singing Shosholoza as Argentinean IBF Junior lightweight challenger Alvarez battled to stay on his feet. Alvarez's eyes were puffy and his nose was bleeding by the fourth round, but he finally took the count after a mean right hook to the jaw in the ninth round. Referee Deon Dwarte finished the count 1 minute 5 seconds into what proved to be the final round, bringing an end to a bout that delighted the crowd.  

Several other matches took place on the same evening, with the current South African bantamweight champion Simpiwe Vetyeka defending his title for the sixth time. He stopped challenger Ebenezar Tumane just 46 seconds into the third round, retaining his title without a hitch.

In the middleweight bout, former SA middleweight champion Anthony van Niekerk battled to a split-decision win over six rounds against Steven Ndzuemba of Gabon.

Lightweight fighters Jacques Stapelberg and Joseph Modise fought to a draw over 4 rounds, while Junior middleweight Michael van Heerden beat Pfuzo Ndubeni. Welterweight Chris van Heerden beat George Mapalakane and Junior lightweight Vusumzi Tyatyeka beat Sifiso Msibi.

For more photos of all the action visit www.yourcity.co.za. - By Elizabeth Okes

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