From an old timer's scrapbook

In 1987, boxing was booming in South Africa when there were six tournaments around the country in the month of September.

East London – 16 August 1987

Andrew Matyhila won the vacant Cape flyweight title when he stopped the highly-rated Mvuleli Luzipho in the third round.

Luvuyo Kakaza became the new Cape lightweight champion when he knocked out Xolisa Fotoyi in round three.

Durban – 7 September 1987

Eric Dunn won the Natal junior middleweight title when he scored a unanimous 10-round points decision over the talented Johan Gumede, who did not work hard enough and allowed Dunn to do all the scoring.

Springs – 1 September 1987

Charles Oosthuizen retained the South African junior middleweight title when he knocked out Gerhard Botes in the 10th round of their scheduled 12-rounder.

At the beginning of the 10th round, Botes was noticeably tired which was to be expected after the weight problems he had before the fight.

Oosthuizen piled on the pressure, landing solid blows to the head and body, and a big right hand dropped the challenger on the seat of his pants.

He tried to rise but was counted out by referee Alfred Buqwana.

In the main supporting bout, Matthias Mbatha and Isaac Yoto boxed through eight entertaining rounds, with Mbatha emerging as the winner.

Johannesburg – 12 September 1987

Benny Knoetze was no match for heavyweight prospect Johnny Du Plooy, who needed only seven punches - two lefts and five rights – to send his opponent stumbling to defeat after only 1 minute 40 seconds before Knoetze was counted out by referee Wally Snowball.

In the main supporting bout, Frank Khonkhobe scored a major upset when he knocked out Simon Bekker in the third round to take the South African junior lightweight title.

After being dropped in the second round, Bekker was no match for a confident Khonkhobe. In the third round after being knocked down by a right to the head, Bekker was counted out by referee Jules van der Hoogen.

Eldorado Park - 13 September 1987

In a rather dull 10-rounder, Jeffrey Mankune retained the Transvaal junior welterweight title with a points victory over Aaron Kabi.

After injuring his right hand early in the fight, Kabi was only content to stay in there, allowing Mankune to steal the points.

Keith Rass, having his first 10-rounder, put on a plucky display only to lose on points against Stanford Ngcebeshe in a contest for the vacant Transvaal junior featherweight title,

Kagiso – 19 September 1987

Patrick Mpamba gained revenge in sensational style by stopping Mark van Winkel in the 10th round of their return clash for the Transvaal welterweight title.

On the same bill, Howard Mpepsi powered his way to an eight-round points decision over Solomon Zuma.

Johannesburg – 28 September 1987

The South African heavyweight champion Pierre Coetzer scored a sensational first-round knockout over Bernard Benton from the United States.

Those in the crowd could hardly believe their eyes when Benton, one-time WBC cruiserweight champion, was poleaxed by a terrific left hook which landed just below his ear, dropping him on his back for the count after 2:35.

Siza Makhatini wasted no time in knocking out Mickey Pryor of the United States 40 seconds into the first round.

Makhatini came off his stool at the opening bell, throwing bombs, and Pryor was stunned by a short-left hook that sent him staggering across the ring.

Another barrage of short blows to the head dropped the American on the seat of his pants against the ropes. Pryor rose on shaky legs, but a short chopping right dropped him again and referee Wally Snowball stopped the fight.

Featherweight Petrus Mahlangu scored his ninth consecutive inside-the-distance win since joining the paid ranks when he stopped Elias Ngcobo in the fourth round of a scheduled six.