K1 and Boxing champions crowned at packed Junxion Mall combat finals

We are now coming to the close of 2025, that time of the year when sporting clubs across most codes host their year-end functions. It’s also the period where we often witness explosive action to cap off the year or at least one final burst before everyone heads off into the festive break.

For Ottery-based Vibrant Sport, which has partnered with Junxion Mall in Phillipi for five years, that closing act is never quiet.

Their tradition is simple, a blow-by-blow action, right in the middle of the mall, under the midday buzz of shoppers moving around the arena.

This is where they stage the finals of their K1 and boxing events, competitions they run throughout the year. Everything culminates here, with belts wrapped around the waists of fighters who’ve made their presence felt in combat sports over the past twelve months.

The tournament is in its fifth instalment and is only the second time K1 has officially featured. But even with just two years on the card, K1 is quickly becoming the marquee attraction. The bouts seem to draw the crowd closer, becoming the main spectacle for those perched on the edges watching the action unfold.

That’s not to say the boxers are lagging, far from it. As was the case this weekend, boxing strongly closed the show. In total, 10 bouts took place, and six champions were crowned.

In the K1 division, Anoyolo Gwija defeated Troy Davids in their title fight; Rais Hoosain edged out Ethan Overberg in a tightly contested decision; Likho Maxwell came out on top against Kuhle Miso, and Riyaan Russouw claimed victory over Sikho Sirataza.

In the boxing brackets, title winners were Phumelo Seyisi, who defeated Tomelo Kedikilwe, and Eugene Stone, who secured a solid win over Justin Campher.