Boxing In South Africa: Zaveck Dethrones Hlatshwayo For IBF Crown

Soweto’s top boxer ran into trouble last night at Wembley Hall in Johannesburg as Isaac Hlatshwayo was relieved of his IBF light welter title by challenger Jan Zaveck.

Hlatshwayo was making the first defense of his world belt after hammering out a split decision verdict in America over Delvin Rodriguez during a rematch this past August.

Czech born, Germany based Zaveck had previously held the European Union and various regional titles but came up short for the European title a year ago, losing a split decision to Rafal Jackiewicz a year ago.

Once the bout started last night at Wembley Hall, former lightweight Hlatshwayo was no match for the natural welter Zaveck as the challenger hammered the South African from the opening bell.

This shocking turn of events put the champion on the floor in the first and second frames before the contest was called off at 2:55 of the third round.

Zaveck wins by far the biggest fight of his career, annexing the IBF welterweight strap and seeing his record to 28-1 (16), while Hlatshwayo drops to 29-2-1 (10).