By Mark Vester

At the Wembley Arena in Johannesburg, Moruti Mthalane won a twelve round decision over Julio Cesar Miranda of Mexico to capture the vacant IBF flyweight belt. The scores were 117-111, 117-111 and 118-111. Mthalane was able to use his skills to outbox Miranda with a steady jab in the early rounds and landing quick punches on the inside. Miranda was able to buckle him twice in the contest but couldn't put him away. Mthalane was able to stay on his feet and continued to dominate the action by boxing smart and winning rounds.

Mthalane is third South African fighter in 2009 to win a major IBF title. He joins countrymen super flyweight Simphiwe Nonqayi and welterweight Isaac Hlatshwayo. All three fighters are trained by Nick Durandt and promoted by Branco Sports Productions.

"We did our homework and went to Mexico and learnt everything we needed to know about Miranda," Durandt said to SAPA. "So it came as no surprise to me that Moruti always had the measure of a seasoned opponent."

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