Plain’s knockout kings own the spotlight

Battle in the Plains Part 2

A last-minute appearance by members of the WP Marching Band to usher in Lentegeur’s Mika-eel  “The Silent Assassin” Jacobs set the tone for an explosive bout that saw the 19-year-old being crowned Western Cape super lightweight champion.

With seconds to go before the start of the main bout, the drums started talking before the fists did and lit the fuse for what was about to explode. Jacobs stepped out of the dressing room, calm, focused, and ready to step into the ring to face his opponent, Otlotleng Mocwana, from Kimberley, in the main bout at Saturday’s Battle of the Plains, hosted by Warrior Ascent Promotions, at Westridge Civic Centre.

Undefeated in three pro fights coming in, this was more than just another bout. This was his turf, first time fighting in front of his home supporters — and Jacobs made sure they left knowing exactly who owns the ring.

The opening round was all chess, no checkers. The newly-crowned champ stayed patient, reading the room — clocking his opponent’s speed and timing, before letting his hands do the talking.

Round two was pure damage. Jacobs unloading a vicious flurry that had Mocwana in survival mode. Three trips to the canvas told the whole story — enough for the ref and judges to shut it down. Curtains. Time to welcome a new champ.

“It was an amazing feeling that I could share the moment of winning the Western Cape Champion belt with all my supporters,” said Jacobs, following his win by TKO.

“My focus was definitely to secure a win and bring home the belt,” he said.

Seated ringside among his supporters were his parents, Riyaad and Nathierah, eyes locked on the action, barely blinking as every second unfolded.

From her seat, every punch landed felt heavier for his mother — each exchange a tug-of-war between pride and fear as she watched her son put his body on the line.

“I'm always nervous from the time we cut weight till the fight,” she said. “My stomach nerves are in a knot. This only goes away once his fight is done with another win, of course, she jokingly said.

Jacobs’ father, among the most vocal in the crowd, was at a loss for words, his chest swelled with a mix of pride and relief.

“I believe any parent would be very proud to have their child be the headline of such an event. This is basically history in the making for Mitchells Plain,” he said.

Jacobs’ victory wasn’t the only one turning heads — his stablemate, Shameeg Williams, also made waves, stopping Phila Mpontshane, from the Eastern Cape, with a fifth-round knockout in their eight-round clash after his opponent’s corner threw in the towel.

Both fighters are trained by Whiteboy Boxing Academy coach, Ashley Whiteboy, who said the fighters understood the assignment.

“We planned well, they stuck to the plan and did what they had to do,” he said. “I always tell them it’s not just about talent and power, it’s also about being smart,” he said.

Whiteboy Boxing Academy director, Angus Norkie, also referred to Saturday’s Battle at the civic centre as a historic milestone for Mitchells Plain, considering it was the first professional boxing tournament staged in the area in 30 years.

What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that the Academy accomplished this without a gym and without any assistance from the department of cultural affairs and sport or even big business operating in Mitchell’s Plain.

“I would welcome the opportunity to engage further on how we can work together to build on this success and ensure that our boxing legacy is restored,” he said.