Abdul-Aziz Kunert’s journey to the South African Featherweight title came agonisingly close to a fairytale ending this past weekend, only to slip through his fingers once again in a razor-tight decision.
The setting this time around was East London, where Kunert faced off with the reigning champion, Zolisa Batyi, in a rematch that promised fireworks.
And the two pugilists delivered, putting on a fascinating display of boxing that lived up to the high stakes of the moment.
The first time they met, more than a year ago, the contest had ended in a majority draw. Two of the three judges scored it even, while one gave the fight to Batyi, much to the disappointment of Kunert, who had hoped to claim the title on home soil in Cape Town.
The draw left an air of unfinished business between the two fighters and as they prepared for their second meeting, there was no doubt that both were determined to avoid leaving any room for doubt this time around.
This time, Kunert was the visitor, fighting in what is known as the home of boxing in the Orient Theatre in East London. He went with a mission, focused on the ultimate goal, to hear the words “the new champion” ring out in Orient Theatre.
And for much of the fight it looked like that dream could become a reality.
Batyi, as expected, came out of the gates aggressively, eager to defend his title with the same fiery intensity. He started fast, charging forward and landing some early shots to set the tone.
Kunert, despite the hostile atmosphere and the weight of the occasion, kept his composure.
He moved with purpose, trusting in his defence and not falling into Batyi’s high-pressure style.
As the fight progressed into the middle rounds, Kunert began to find his rhythm.
He started to find openings in Batyi’s defence, landing crisp combinations that troubled the defending champion.
Sensing a shift in momentum, the crowd could be heard chanting “the new” as Kunert found success and appeared to have Batyi on the back foot.
It was clear that Kunert had done enough to put himself in the driver’s seat and for a moment, it felt as if the elusive title might finally be within his reach.
But boxing, as always, can be cruel. Despite his best efforts, the judges saw the contest differently. When the scorecards were read, the decision was unanimous in favour of Batyi. The judges scored it 115-113, 116-113, and 114-114, giving the defending champion his fourth defence.
Speaking on the outcome, Kunert said it was disappointing to once again fall just short.
“It is a disappointment that I didn’t win the belt. The champion was not fighting like a champion, he was just surviving the fight,” he said
Kunert had come so close, but once again, the South African title slipped through his fingers.
On his next move, Kunert says: “I dont know how I really feel but I trust in god and his will on what will happen in the future.”
This was Kunert’s third shot at the SA crown. His first attempt had ended in a split decision loss to Asanda Gingqi, His second opportunity against Batyi in their first encounter had ended in the majority draw. And now, despite a valiant effort in the rematch, he found himself on the losing end of yet another close decision.
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