LONDON, England – Sikho Nqothole defeated Charlie Edwards by 12-round unanimous decision inside a hot and humid York Hall to secure a shot at the IBF junior bantamweight title.
The travelling South African was up against it on away turf, but impressed with his sharp shooting and heavy hand to take the contest by scores of 116-113, 116-112 and 117-111. Nqothole, 22-3 (13 KOs), will now face the winner of Willibaldo Garcia vs. Andrew Maloney for the IBF strap later this year.
The opener was a cagey affair with both men missing with their lead left jabs. Nqothole clearly carried the heavier hands of the two, and he smashed a right hand into the gloves of Edwards that brought a nod from the Englishman.