South Africa superstar South Africa superstar Moruti Mthalane has been rewarded for his incredible run of form in recent times – after receiving a special achievement award from the IBF. has been rewarded for his incredible run recent times. after receiving a special achievement award from the IBF. [Mthalane, age 37, is undefeated since a 2008 loss to Nonito Donaire. He's had two reigns as a flyweight champion, getting stripped of his first world title for events beyond his control]. Mthalane (39-2, 26 KOs) won the IBF flyweight title for the second time in 2018, and has defended it on three occasions since then, with the most recent coming in December when he earned a superb stoppage victory over Akira Yaegashi.

 

His hard work has now been recognised, with the IBF commending him for his efforts by handing him the special achievement award.

 

Mthalane told Sowetan Live: “I did not expect this. I feel proud to have flown the South African flag higher. I am looking forward to making another defence.”

 

MTK Global’s Colin Nathan added: “Moruti has given me my finest and memorable moments in boxing. When he joined me in 2015 some people said I was wasting my time because of his age.

 

“But he went on to win the IBF belt and has defended it against three top challengers in their backyards. I will be shocked if he does not win BSA’s Boxer of the Year Award, and I have no doubt he will inducted in the International Boxing Hall of Fame in New York.”