Rough diamond Mbenge ‘will become a gem’

Golden Gloves Promotions boss Rodney Berman is sure he has unearthed a gem in Mdantsane-born Thulani Mbenge (right).

Berman’s vote of confidence is reflected by the manner in which he has been keeping Mbenge active, having given him three fights alone this year.

The hard-hitting boxer won the SA welterweight title, halting defending champion Shaun Ness within the distance and then followed that up with a convincing points win over Filipino Jayar Inson to take his record to 11 wins in as many fights.

And on September 9 Mbenge will make the first defence of his crown when he takes on Mziwoxolo Ndwayana at Emperors Palace.

While he has knocked out all but one of his opponents, Mbenge will probably be taking a step up in class against the Grahamstown boxer who appeared to hold his own when he first challenged for the title only to lose within the distance to then champion Tsiko Mulevhedzi.

But if there is one thing about Ndwayana is that he is one who is prepared to go down swinging, rather than simply being content to lose on points.

His other defeat was by a stoppage against middleweight Johannes Salie although there is a question mark on the discrepancy of their weights.

Berman is already plotting Mbenge’s march to world title honours, saying if he prevails against Ndwayana he will engage in another international bout to improve his world ratings.

“I have tremendous confidence in Mbenge and I think he is star in the making,” Berman said.

“The boy oozes charisma, which will make him a star. This is why we are keeping him active.”

After beating Inson he is expected to get a top 15 rating in the WBO and from there it will be a matter of time before he moves into the title mix.