Zolani Tete Says He Was Never Gone!
During his last session of trading leather for pay, South African super bantamweight boxer Zolani “Last Born” Tete (30-4, 23 KO’s) claimed a memorable knockout win. In that match, against Jason Cunningham, Tete deflated him with a chilling left hook that resulted in Cunningham dribbling his head off the canvas.
The emphatic stoppage led to a few tense moments as the limp and unresponsive fighter was examined. Ultimately, Cunningham proved to be largely unscathed. Wanting to show no ill-will, Tete explained to IFL TV that all his tough talk before the fight was all for the marketplace.
“I also want to thank Jason Cunningham for giving me this opportunity. I know that I said a lot of brutal words to him, I didn’t mean any of that, it was just to sell the fight. Just to entertain the fans, it is the sport of boxing.
“I never mean no harm to anyone, I just want to wish him a speedy recovery and I hope the best for his upcoming fights. And I wish to see him become a champion once again.”
DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK!
With the sensational win, Last Born was happy to demonstrate that he still had a great deal left in the gas tank. Following a layoff, perpetuated by a shoulder injury, the South African was undone and quickly stopped by John Riel Casimero in a third round upset in November 2019. Despite rebounding with a first round knockout of Iddi Kayumba, many still wondered if Tete was damaged goods. The viciousness of this win goes a long way to proving his point that he is not done.
Let’s see if Tete can get the title shot that he is looking for.
“I was so excited, I understand that the fans here didn’t think that Zolani still has what it takes to becomes a world champion. So coming here I had to prove that I am still the Zolani they know…I also wanted to prove to the world that I am the same Zolani, despite the loss(es) I had.
“But you move along, you move along some losses and some you take them as a champion. And that is exactly what I did! I needed this type of fight in order to redeem myself and prove to the people that I am still the level of becoming a world champion once again.”
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By: Bakari Simpson
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