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BOXING connoisseurs must not read too much into the professional fight record of Azinga Golden Boy” Fuzile and ignore the many years he spent as an amateur.

The 20-year-old cagey lefthander from Duncan Village who has two knockouts in four wins is rated No. 1 nationally.

Fuzile is actually the mandatory challenger to the vastly experienced national featherweight holder Mabhuti Macman” Sinyabi. Their clash which has pitted fans from Duncan Village against those from Sinyabi s home in Mdantsane, the two powerhouses in the production of boxing greats will take place at the Orient Theatre on September 30. Fuzile is trained by Mzamo Chief Njekanye who remains an enigma for having converted a rugby player in Xolisani Nomeva Ndongeni into a dual SA champion.

Sinyabi, 29, has 20 knockouts from 29 wins against four losses. He is trained by Dowi Mzini in Mdantsane.

Njekanye who trains fighters in a dilapidated school in Duncan Village agreed that on paper the upcoming fight is a mis-smatch. Sinyabi has fought seven 12 rounders while Fuzile is yet to fight an eight rounder. But Njekanye warned: People must not make it sound like Azinga bought his No. 1 rating. The boy fought hard to earn the mandatory right to challenge Mabhuti.”

Njekanye also mentioned Fuzile’s debut against Sibusiso Khumalo who had 18 fights in December 2014.

No one talked about it being a mis-smatch. We beat Sibisiso convincingly, said Njekanye. Azinga spent many years in the amateur ranks, where he fought more than 300 fights, losing less than 10.”

He said Fuzile started boxing when he was 12-years-old.

He won the SA title three times in the juniors, a gold medal in the 2014 All Africa Champions in Botswana. He also represented South Africa in the the World Youth Championship in Bulgaria and Germany in 2014,” said Njekanye.

He was ripe when he turned professional. When you analyse Azinga based on his professional record, you will see what the record tells you but not what the boy can do.”

Njekanye said there were so many boxers with impressive records but when you look at their opponents it was mostly unknown boxers.

I am enjoying the hype. The reality, though, is that a new champion will be crowned come September 30,” he said as a parting shot.