Headline honour for young boxer Fuzile

Azinga Fuzile never met the man he has been asked to honour but will happily headline a tournament that is to be held in April to celebrate Mzukisi “Laciar” Sikali’s life.

Sikali died 14 years ago and the 22-year-old Fuzile has been chosen by top East London promoter Thembalethu “Terries” Ntuthu to headline the Rumble Africa Promotions’ bill at Nangoza Jebe Hall in Port Elizabeth on April 7.

An excited Fuzile said he was happy he had been given the opportunity to celebrate a boxer who held multiple titles in different weight divisions.

He held the WBU belt in the junior flyweight and junior bantamweight‚ and the IBO belt in the flyweight class.

“Even though I did not know Sikali‚ I must say I am excited and honoured to be chosen to headline a bill to honour him‚” he said.

“I will be defending my IBF Inter-Continental title [junior lightweight] against experienced Mexican Romulo Koasicha on the day.

“I am excited because I now see the direction in my career.

“To me every fight is a mustwin because I am on the path to fighting for a world title.”

Sikali was regarded as one of SA’s most talented boxers and won world boxing titles in three weight divisions.

The left-hander was stabbed to death in 2005 as he attempted to fight off muggers as he was walking home.

The muggers were arrested a few hours after the incident and a cellphone stolen from Sikali was also recovered.

Former Olympian Masibulele “Hawk” Makepula from Mdantsane lost twice (IBO flyweight titles) to Sikali.

Promoter Ntuthu explained the decision to take his tournament to the PE venue.

“As Rumble Africa there are two things about our upcoming tournament,” he said.

“The venue is where numerous battles used to take place.

“I see it in the same way as the Orient Theatre in East London‚ The Carousel in the Northwest and MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“[They] are synonymous with historic boxing fights.

“The second issue is that of Vuyani Nene, an accomplished boxer from Port Elizabeth who is now retired.

“So we thought we should start our journey to honour our people with Sikali, and others will follow.”

Fuzile, from Duncan Village but now in Johannesburg, is regarded as one of the brightest prospects to emerge from the Eastern Cape and has held several titles in a young career of just 13 fights.

‘Even though I did not know Sikali‚ I must say I am excited and honoured to be chosen to headline a bill to honour him’ Azinga Fuzile BOXER