Bodypunch boxing gym
Top Aussie for boxing showcase
07/05/2008 - By MESULI ZIFO
THE boxing extravaganza scheduled for East London on July 4 just got bigger, after the promoters signed up a a top Australian fighter.
The bill will be headlined by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-lightweight title eliminator between Mdantsane’s Ali Funeka and American Zahir Raheem.
The main bout itself will be worth R1,1 million thanks to local promoter Branco Milenkovic who pulled out all the stops to win the purse bid. Despite the cost attributed to the main bout, Milenkovic and his co-promoter Mzi Mnguni have not rested on their laurels in their bid to make the show the biggest in the Eastern Cape.
As a result top Australian Hussein Hussein has been brought in to fight on the undercard against an opponent yet to be named.
Hussein, of Iranian descent, signed a promotional contract with Milenkovic this week.
“Yes, Hussein has signed a promotional contract with me and he will be fighting in East London on July 4,” Milenkovic confirmed yesterday. Hussein will be remembered for his two epic battles against Mexican legend Jorge Arce for the WBC world flyweight title in 2005. Although he lost both bouts, taking losses to four, Hussein put up an impressive performance against one of Mexico’s top fighters.
Arce later knocked out Funeka’s compatriot and former clubmate Masibulele “Hawk” Makepula in three rounds.
Milenkovic said he wanted the show to have a socioeconomic impact by promoting its tourism potential.
The extravaganza is expected to attract visitors from America and possibly England and Australia.
“Do not forget that the IBF will likely appoint officials from other countries as well so yes, the Eastern Cape province will be in the international spotlight,” he said.
The Eastern Cape government is expected to come on board and use the show as part of the Youth Month activities. Head of Department of Sport Bubele Mfenyana could not be reached to confirm government’s involvement. Funeka has already started preparing for the fight at the Eastern Cape Sports Academy in Stirling. The fight will be Funeka’s toughest to date as Raheem is regarded as a world beater.
<>"This fight will give me an opportunity to test my skills against the best in the world so I will need to be in top physical condition,” said Funeka. Doubts have been cast over Funeka’s technical team especially after the departure of Vuyani Bungu from Eyethu Boxing Club where Funeka trains.Since Bungu’s departure the club has suffered defeats in crucial bouts capped by Irvin Buhlalu’s brutal fourth round knockout at the hands of unheralded Amon Baloyi in East London at the weekend.
However, Mnguni says Bungu will not be brought back to help Funeka.
“I do not even want to comment on that issue because it will not happen,” said Mnguni.