Berman teams up with trainer Njekanye
Fuzile among Chief’s finds
Promoter Rodney Berman has welcomed trainer Mzamo “Chief ” Njekanye into his Golden Gloves stable in Johannesburg.
Njekanye, from Duncan Village, near East London, is credited with unearthing and nurturing the fistic career of now-revered star Azinga “Golden Boy” Fuzile.
“Yes, Chief has joined us,” confirmed Berman yesterday. “I am very happy to do a deal with him. Chief has got five outstanding young amateur fighters who will be getting their professional licences soon. We have agreed to nurture them.”
The promoter added: “I will finance a nursery tournament to help groom Chief’s fighters. Golden Gloves has trainer Vusi Mtolo [who assists Colin Nathan] and now it is Chief. We are very happy and excited.”
Njekanye said: “Yes, I have joined this acclaimed promoter. Our objective is to produce champions.
“I am excited to join Rodney who agreed to assist me in grooming youngsters. I have a clear programme now.
“He assisted me to introduce Azinga to the international level before the boy left me for Colin Nathan in Johannesburg.”
Njekanye said he began training Fuzile from the age of 10.
Fuzile went on to win the SA, WBC Youth and IBF Continental titles in the featherweight division.
The boxer produced the upset of 2017 when he easily dismantled formidable former two-time champion Tshifhiwa Munyai in three rounds in Berman’s tournament at Emperors Palace before parting ways with Njekanye.
Berman and accomplished trainer Mzimasi Mnguni guided Mbulelo Botile from Duncan Vilage to stardom.