Zolani Petelo (born 21 September 1975) is a South African former professional boxer who competed from 1993 to 2005.
Petelo turned professional in 1993, and accumulated a record of 10–2–2 before receiving his first shot at a world title in 1997.
Petelo successfully defended his title five times against challengers Faisol Akbar, Carmelo Caceres, Eric Jamili, Juanito Rubillar,[1] and Mickey Cantwell.
On 29 September 2001, he unsuccessfully challenged IBF junior-flyweight champion, Ricardo López, losing by eighth-round knockout.
[citation needed] In 2005, he returned to the ring against former IBO champion Zolile Mbityi, losing a closely contested eight-round majority decision.