South African star murdered!

World-class Mzukisi Sikali killed in apparent robbery

17/09/2005

South African star murdered!

According to the SAPA news agency,  South African flyweight star Mzukisi Sikali was shot dead at his home, apparently by robbers. Major world titles are very hard to come by for South African boxers, but Sikali captured IBO and WBU titles in addition to the domestic championship while competing in three different weight classes. His biggest triumphs came in two battles with Hawk Makepula, but Sikali pulled off quite a few victories facing hometown fighters in Italy, Thailand and England. His last bout was a loss to Vic Darchinyan for the IBF flyweight title but the capable Sikali remained rated at #9 in the Boxingtalk ratings. Boxingtalk sends its condolences to the South African boxing community, and of course, the friends and family of this little warrior. --Scott Shaffer