Stage set for Mbenge in crunch bout

WHEN Thulani Mbenge left his boxing-rich township of Mdantsane to fight professionally in Johannesburg, he wanted to make an immediate impact.

“I left home to come here and pursue my boxing career,” he says.

“I knew that some people did not understand my decision but it was something I had to do to get to where I want to be.”

The 25-year-old had blazed the trail in the amateur ranks winning the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in the welterweight, which is a traditionally deep boxing division.

Indeed after only 10 fights Mbenge can boast an South Africa and continental title already having knocked out everyone who dares to take him on.

Moreover, his career is guided by the country’s top promoter Rodney Berman who is enthusing about his recruit and predicting big things for him.

Unlike his amateur peers, Mbenge appears to be the one with a clear destination and this has been proven by the affinity Berman has on him.

“This boy is destined for big things, mark my words,” says Berman.

“We will guide shim accordingly but first things first, he needs to walk the walk.”

With only a month removed from his national title winning feat when he dethroned Sean Ness, Mbenge will be brought back to the ring against an equally unbeaten foe in Filipino Jayar Inson at Emperors Palace this Saturday.

The Filipino comes with an unbeaten record of 13 bouts with nine stoppages meaning the fight outcome will mostly likely not need the judges.

For Mbenge the fight represents yet another step towards fulfilling his wish to win a world title in the welterweight division which is teeming with talent.

“One step at a time but so far I am happy with the manner in which my career is progressing,” he says.

It also helps that he chose to team up with Sean Smith who is one of the underrated trainers in the land.

Despite the buzz surrounding Mbenge’s power, Smith still wants to inculcate all styles of fighting to his charge.

“Mbenge is a much better boxer than people realise but because he knocks everyone out there is this perception that he is nothing more than a knockout machine,” Smith says.

“We need to remind him of his boxing ability so that aspect of his fighting does not suffer.”

Inson was chosen as an opponent for his top 15 rating in the WBO for which he holds its Orient Pacific title.

Should he beat him as anticipated, bigger names will be targeted including a clash against homeboy Ali Funeka.

Smith is already salivating about that clash as perfect fight for the ratings ascent of his charge.

“That is the fight we will target after Saturday. We think it will fill up the Orient Theatre.”

There is also Chris Van Heerden who also commands a big reputation internationally due to his American sojourn where he trained under famed Freddie Roach.

Smith says it may be a bit tricky to land Van Heerden for now.

“I am sure he is looking at bigger names to get back to title contention.”