Professional-Amateur boxers across the Western Cape as well as Pretoria participated in an exhibition boxing event in Gardens on Saturday night.

Hosted by MadFit MMA and Boxing, dubbed as Cape Town Punch Up, the exhibition event gave some of the hungry boxers an opportunity to dust off their gloves.

The event saw some well-known personalities taking part as ring announcers, volunteers, coaches and organisers, including actor and comedian Siv Ngesi, UFC middleweight fighter Dricus du Plessis, as well as professional boxing trainers Matt Leisching and Zola Koti.

In the opening bout of the 12 fights, Future Champs’ Asavela Peter, from Philippi, beat Grassroots’ Nqaba Dantile, from Khayelitsha.

MadFit’s Qhawe Mafika, originally from Namibia, won via unanimous decision over Knockout Centre’s Philip Cronje.

Award-winning artist, Majozi thrilled the crowd with some of his latest music offerings during the 20-minute interval.

In the supporting bout, experienced Jeremy Jardim, from Jardim’s Gym, lost via unanimous points decision against MadFit’s Kojo Anyia-Osae.

In the main bout of the evening, CIT Performance Institute’s SD Pypers, from Pretoria, won via split decision over an energetic Matt Geldenhuys, from Ferreira Boxing.

Pypers was crowned the exhibition belt winner for his close performance win against Geldenhuys.

Boxing promoter, Jeremy Bean,said the event was a success as the crowd came out in numbers to witness the talent of the young fighters.

Bean had three of his young fighters showing off their skill in the event. He said this was the type of opportunity that they need to stay consistent in their victories, but more importantly, to hone their confidence in the ring.

He acknowledged the organising team’s work in putting the Cape Town Punch Up together, saying they hope to see more partnerships and boxing events in the city soon.

SD Pypers won via split decision to lift the exhibition belt against Matt Geldenhuys during a Cape Town Punch Up exhibition boxing event in Hope Street, Gardens, on Saturday night. Picture: André van Niekerk

Body Future Gym’s Ulrich Ntounta, left, against Rabie Matete, from Ferreira Boxing Gym. Picture: André van Niekerk