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Allen Khumalo, Sports Reporter
ENGLAND-based Zimbabwean-born boxing standout Joe Maphosa won his first professional bout 40-36 over Gary Reeve at the Leeds First Arena on Saturday night.

Having stopped a few amateurs in his previous fights, the 22-year-old attributed his smooth transition to the flyweight and super-flyweight pro-divisions to hard work and dedication.

“It was a great fight, I really enjoyed it and it’s always a learning curve for me. The fans must look for more and I can’t wait to do it again. My opponent was tough because he is more experienced than me, but I listened to my guard and kept myself disciplined,” said Maphosa.

He said focus is now on making a name for himself in the pro-boxing world.

“I want to let my talent speak and let people know my name. Right now we are going back to the drawing board with the team and hopefully I will continue from where I left off,” he said.

Under the tutelage of Imran Naeem, Maphosa is the latest fighter to sign a promotional deal with Hall of Fame Promoter, Frank Warren.

The Beitbridge-born counter puncher first laced a pair of boxing gloves at the age of 13 before joining former coach Tony Whitby at the Middlesborough ABC.

Maphosa won around 60 of his estimated 75 amateur bouts, highlighted by a Golden Belt tournament win in Romania. He also represented Great Britain at the World Series of Boxing in Cuba.

@khumzallen