A fight where victory matters most than a title
Phuzi mainly wants to climb in ranking
The WBA Pan African title that will be at stake between Akani “Prime” Phuzi and Congolese, Youssof Kasongo Mwanza’s fight at Blairgowrie Recreation Centre, in Randburg, on September 2, is not at all that important.
What matters most, especially for Phuzi, is continuity in winning. The 24-year-old former top amateur from Limpopo – who currently holds the Gauteng cruiserweight title – is already rated No 1 contender for the national title held by Thabiso “The Rock” Mchunu.
But trainer Alan Toweel Junior is not keen on the fight against Mchunu because Phuzi, with only five professional fights, is still work in progress.
However, Toweel wants Phuzi to win on September 2. He described their upcoming fight against the Mwanza – who has eight wins, two losses and a draw, as a big step up for his charge.
Phuzi has boxed only 16 rounds in the professional ranks. Only two bouts went a full distance, the last being a six rounder against Malawian Limbani Lano in Swaziland on June 1.
According to BoxRec.Com, Mwanda has only two wins – against George Tshimanga and Khayeni Hlungwane – but Toweel said the record he got from the boxing authorities in Congo states that Mwanza has eight wins, two losses and a draw.
“We are fighting a strong and very experienced man. But this is a very big opportunity for Akani to move to the next level,” said Toweel yesterday. “I do not want to rush Akani. I am building him up gradually.”
The upcoming match will headline Supreme Boxing Promotions bill that will be staged by promoter Sandile Xaka at the same venue where Phuzi won the provincial title with a knockout of Chris “Wolf” Thompson on April 22.
‘‘ But this is a big opportunity for Akani to move to the next level