Mbenge excites Berman

RODNEY Berman has been around the boxing block too often to be seduced by a record pock-marked with wins and KOs.

Even so, his admiration for new SA welterweight champion Thulani Mbenge is plain to see.

“Every now and again a special talent comes along and Thulani looks like he has something special,” reckoned the veteran promoter. “He faced a tough guy in Shaun Ness, but the way he broke him down was outstanding. He was calm, measured, took his time. There are some rough edges, but he’s very exciting and will continue to learn.”

Mbenge now has 10 stoppages in his 10 wins. His next outing will represent a big step up – in June he will fight WBO No 15 Jayan Inson (13-0) of the Philippines.

The unbeaten southpaw is the WBO Asia Pacific welterweight champion.

Berman was also impressed by DeeJay Kriel, who overcame a tough challenge from Xolisa Magusha, who also earned due praise.

“He was just terrific. That was two outstanding young strawweights we saw on Sunday and in fact I’ll be giving Magusha another opportunity. We’re blessed to have this much talent.”

Lucky Monyebane’s Gauteng lighweight title win was also roundly celebrated by Golden Gloves, who eight years ago joined hands with the local community from where he originates.

“Harold Volbrecht has done tremendous work with him. He’s a marvellous talent who can have a good run at the weight.”

Meanwhile, as of yesterday, the WBO had yet to update its website to reflect whether Zolani “Last Born” Tete had been officially confirmed as the organisation’s bantamweight champion. The title was vacated by Filipino Marlon Tapales when he failed to make weight in a title-defence against Shohei Omori of Japan on Sunday.

Tete, on Saturday, beat Arthur Villanueva of the Philippines by unanimous decision. The fight was classified as a title-eliminator but after Tapales’ failure, was upgraded to a title fight, which Last Born won to be declared the WBO interim bantamweight champion. – ANA