South Africa: The Powerhouse of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix

The WBC Boxing Grand Prix has entered its fourth stage of competition — the semifinals.

Fewer and fewer fighters remain in contention for the prestigious “José Sulaimán” trophy, but one nation stands out above the rest: South Africa, which has successfully placed three of its fighters into this stage.

The tournament is divided into four weight divisions: featherweight, super lightweight, middleweight, and heavyweight.

The three South African representatives are Bekizizwe Maitse in the featherweight division, Ntethelelo Nkosi in super lightweight, and Keaton Gomes in heavyweight.

Bekizizwe Maitse’s Road to the Semifinals

First Phase: Defeated Rodolfo Fuentes of Colombia by unanimous decision.

Second Phase: Beat Juma Choki of Tanzania by unanimous decision.

Third Phase: After a thrilling six-round battle against Iman Lee from the USA, the fight ended in a draw, but Maitse advanced thanks to the WBC Enhanced Scoring System.
Now, he will face Mexican contender Brandon Mejía, who has shown impressive performance throughout the tournament.

Ntethelelo Nkosi’s Road to the Semifinals

First Phase: Defeated Marwan Mohamad Madboly of Egypt by technical knockout.

Second Phase: Beat Ju Wu of China by unanimous decision.

Third Phase: Defeated Fiorenzo Priolo of Italy by unanimous decision.
In the semifinals, Nkosi will take on Carlos Utria of Colombia, one of the most complete fighters in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix.

Keaton Gomes’ Road to the Semifinals

First Phase: Defeated Roberto Medina Aguirre of Mexico by technical knockout.

Second Phase: Beat Alija Mesic of Bosnia and Herzegovina**.

Third Phase: Defeated Devon Young of the United States.

In the semifinals, he will face Ahmed Krnjic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in what promises to be a clash of pure power.