Zolani Petelo
| Zolani Petelo | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Zolani Petelo |
| Rated at | Minimumweight |
| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) |
| Reach | 1.73 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Nationality | South African |
| Born |
21 September 1975 Kwazakhele, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Stance | Southpaw |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 24 |
| Wins | 17 |
| Wins by KO | 9 |
| Losses | 5 |
| Draws | 2 |
Zolani Petelo (born 21 September 1975) is a retired South African boxer and former IBF minimumweight champion.
Professional career
Petelo turned professional in 1993, and accumulated a record of 10-2-2 before receiving his first shot at a world title in 1997.
IBF Minimumweight title
As a significant underdog, Petelo scored a fourth round knockout over long reigning IBF Minimumweight champion Ratanapol Sor Vorapin, ending the Thai champion's streak of 20 consecutive title fight victories. Petelo successfully defended his title 5 times against challengers Faisol Akbar, Carmelo Caceres, Eric Jamili, Juanito Rubillar, and Mickey Cantwell. He vacated the title in 2001 in order to move up in weight.
Light flyweight
On 29 September 2001, Petelo unsuccessfully challenged IBF Light Flyweight champion Ricardo Lopez, losing by 8th round knockout.
Retirement
Following the loss to Lopez, Petelo would remain inactive for the following three and a half years. In 2005, he returned to the ring against former IBO champion Zolile Mbityi, losing a closely contested 8 round majority decision. After suffering another decision loss, Petelo retired from the sport of boxing.
| Preceded by Ratanapol Sor Vorapin |
IBF Minimumweight Champion 27 December 1997– 2001 Vacated |
Succeeded by Roberto Carlos Leyva |