Russian fighter ‘poses no threat to Funeka’
by Bongani Magasela,
2016-03-01 05:00:00.0
IF EXPERIENCE and longevity are anything to go by, then battle-scarred veteran Ali "Rush Hour" Funeka should have no difficulty in dealing with Russian Viskhan "Little Tyson" Murzabekov in their 10 rounder at Colosseum Sport Hall in Grozny, Russia, on Thursday, says Funeka’s promoter Ayanda Matiti.
Funeka, has been around since 1995 and has boxed 240 rounds for 37 wins (30 KOs), five losses and three draws. He has held the South African junior lightweight, WBC International lightweight, WBF junior welterweight and IBO welterweight belts. He currently holds the WBO Africa welterweight title.
Murzabekov, 25, is a novice of 12 wins and holds the IBO International welterweight belt.
"I doubt that this guy (Murzabekov) poses any danger to Ali," said Matiti, who leaves for Russia today with Funeka and trainer Vuyani "The Beast" Bungu.
The promoter explained that Bungu, the former IBF junior featherweight undefeated champion, will man Funeka’s corner as Lunga Segonyela does not have a passport. Matiti said the promoter of this bout had wanted Tsiko Mulovhedzi but the IBO champion is not available as he is committed to making his mandatory defence against IBO Intercontinental champion Rico Mueller from Germany next month.
• East London boxing manager Mlandeli Tengimfene confirmed yesterday that his charge, IBO featherweight champion Lusanda Komanisi, has joined trainer Sean Smith in Gauteng.
Komanisi, from Mdantsane, first left trainer Nick Durandt early last month and joined Tengimfene’s All Winner Boxing Club.
"Yes, Komanisi has joined Sean," said Tengimfene. "Initially, when Komanisi left Durandt, he was going to join Smith and still wanted me to be his manager. He said he wanted us to have a similar arrangement like that of Thabo Sonjica, who was trained in Gauteng by Nick, but still managed by me. Then Komanisi said he wanted to go back to Johannesburg because he could not concentrate well in East London."
Ali Funeka. Picture: GALLO IMAGES/LEE WARREN
IF EXPERIENCE and longevity are anything to go by, then battle-scarred veteran Ali "Rush Hour" Funeka should have no difficulty in dealing with Russian Viskhan "Little Tyson" Murzabekov in their 10 rounder at Colosseum Sport Hall in Grozny, Russia, on Thursday, says Funeka’s promoter Ayanda Matiti.
Funeka, has been around since 1995 and has boxed 240 rounds for 37 wins (30 KOs), five losses and three draws. He has held the South African junior lightweight, WBC International lightweight, WBF junior welterweight and IBO welterweight belts. He currently holds the WBO Africa welterweight title.
Murzabekov, 25, is a novice of 12 wins and holds the IBO International welterweight belt.
"I doubt that this guy (Murzabekov) poses any danger to Ali," said Matiti, who leaves for Russia today with Funeka and trainer Vuyani "The Beast" Bungu.
The promoter explained that Bungu, the former IBF junior featherweight undefeated champion, will man Funeka’s corner as Lunga Segonyela does not have a passport. Matiti said the promoter of this bout had wanted Tsiko Mulovhedzi but the IBO champion is not available as he is committed to making his mandatory defence against IBO Intercontinental champion Rico Mueller from Germany next month.
• East London boxing manager Mlandeli Tengimfene confirmed yesterday that his charge, IBO featherweight champion Lusanda Komanisi, has joined trainer Sean Smith in Gauteng.
Komanisi, from Mdantsane, first left trainer Nick Durandt early last month and joined Tengimfene’s All Winner Boxing Club.
"Yes, Komanisi has joined Sean," said Tengimfene. "Initially, when Komanisi left Durandt, he was going to join Smith and still wanted me to be his manager. He said he wanted us to have a similar arrangement like that of Thabo Sonjica, who was trained in Gauteng by Nick, but still managed by me. Then Komanisi said he wanted to go back to Johannesburg because he could not concentrate well in East London."
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