CASSIUS “Hitman” Baloyi’s and Isaac “Angel” Hlatshwayo’s dreams of redemption were shattered as the two former world champions lost their fights in Namibia on Saturday night.

Baloyi was outpointed by his namesake, Paulos “Hitman” Moses for the WBO International lightweight title, while Hlatshwayo was defeated on points by Bethel “Tyson” Ushona for the WBO’s Africa welterweight title.

The fights were organised jointly by Namibian promoter Nestor Tobias and Dingaan Thobela, his South African partner.

Baloyi last fought in February last year when he was defeated by Argenis Mendez in an IBF title eliminator, while Hlatshwayo had not seen action since being stopped in two rounds by Bongo Lipembo on March 26.

Moses had not fought since failing to win the WBO title from Ricky Burns on March 10, while 14 days later Ushona was defeated by Jan Zavech the WBO Inter-continental title.

All the judges in the Baloyi-Moses fight were South Africans. Two scored it in favour of Moses, with one voting for Baloyi.

Ushona scored a unanimous points decision.

Baloyi suffered his seventh loss from 45 fights while Hlatshwayo has lost five of his 31 bouts.

Baloyi, 37, is a former six-time world champion in five weight divisions, while Hlatshwayo has held three world title in three weight categories.

Their corners were manned for the first time by their new trainer, Keith Rass.

Thobela said:

“I believe Moses won clean. I have always supported Baloyi and Hlatshwayo, that is why I gave them these chances.

“Nestor and myself had the interest of all four of them at heart but obviously we wanted the best boxers to win because our plan is to get the winners a top 10 rating in the WBO.”

So what does the future hold for Baloyi and Hlatshwayo?

“I will talk to them once they have sat down with their trainer. But I can safely say they proved on Saturday night that they still have firepower in their hands,” said Thobela.


By: Bongani Magasela
http://www.sowetanlive.co.za/sport/2012/07/30/hitman-and-angel-lose-out