PERTH - South African featherweight boxer Simpiwe Vetyeka dedicated his shock stoppage win over previously undefeated Indonesia's Chris John on Friday to Nelson Mandela.

John, who has topped the bill at Marina Bay Sands twice in the last year, was halted at the end of the sixth round for his first defeat in 52 fights.

He was trying to make the 19th defence of his World Boxing Association belt.