Blast from the past: ‘Green Cobra’ Gumede a mamba in pro debut

Today in SA sports history: May 17

1969 — Soweto-based Joe “Green Cobra” Gumede makes his professional debut, beating Ben Lehoko over four rounds in Sharpeville. Gumede won the black versions of the SA bantamweight and featherweight titles and beat top fighters such as Anthony Sithole and Bashew Sibaca along the way. In 1973 he was employed as a sparring partner to assist Arnold Taylor, before he won the WBA bantamweight crown. 

1980 — The British Lions deny Natal a 15-15 draw as winger John Carleton scores a try in injury time that should not have been awarded. Carleton had been receiving treatment for a hurt ankle a few minutes earlier and his return to the field had reportedly not been approved by the referee, who awarded the try. The tourists won 21-15...