Funeka in ‘Rush Hour’ against time to move up
A LOT is riding on Ali Funeka’s SA junior welterweight title defence against Boitshepo Mandawe, scheduled for the Mdantsane Indoor Centre tomorrow.
At 36 years old, Funeka, known aptly as “Rush Hour”, is looking for big money fights.
The lanky, highly disciplined Mdantsane boxer already boasts international clout, following his gusty three IBF lightweight title challenges, which he lost under disputed circumstances.
But following a mini slump when he was caught up in management disputes, Funeka has since rebounded to his best since reuniting with Eyethu Boxing Club under long-time mentor Mzi Mnguni.
“Funeka wants to get back to the international boxing scene and contest for major world titles,” said Mnguni.
If there was any doubt about Funeka’s superiority at the local scene, it was wiped out by his onesided four- round demolition job of Mzolisi Yoyo to take the SA crown this past May.
It was one of those rare outcomes in boxing, when a champion is ruthlessly destroyed by a challenger.
The win followed a first-round knockout of Jason Bedeman in a Rodney Berman promoted show at Emperors Palace last September. Berman promised to steer the winner to international fights, with an appearance in his Monte Carlo tournaments in Monaco carrot.
Mnguni says Berman has not reneged on his promise to use Funeka.
“For instance Rodney will be watching this fight with keen interest and it is therefore important not only for Funeka to win but to do so in impressive fashion.
“Fortunately Funeka does not need any extra motivation to perform because he is such a disciplined boxer, who takes his career very seriously.”
Indeed Berman’s publicist, Brian Mitchell, who will be doing commentary for SuperSport, will report back to his boss about Funeka’s performance.
Boasting a reach advantage and
as an attractive power in his right hand, Funeka is one of the most lethal boxers in the division.
He can turn a fight on its head with a single punch, as he showed against Yoyo and Bedeman.
“I want nothing besides a knockout in my fights now,” the boxer said.
“Time is running out for me so I do not need to win only but to do so by knockouts to send out a message that I am far from finished.”
All four of his losses, bar the one against Zolani Marali in 41 bouts, were controversial outcomes.
Tomorrow’s show, presented by Eyethu Promotions, will also see Mdantsane’s Lwandisa Zinto contesting the vacant SA featherweight crown against Limpopoborn and Johannesburg-based Oscar Chauke.
Athi Dumezweni, of Mthatha, will be up against Thembelani Maphuma for the Eastern Cape junior bantamweight crown.
Eastern Cape boxing stakeholders will converge at Mdantsane Indoor Centre today (Sat) to discuss pertinent boxing issues afflicting the sport.
The meeting has been called by Eastren Cape Promoters Association and although its secretary Andile Sidinile declined to reveal details it is believed that the current standoff between Boxing SA and promoters will top the agenda.
The meeting starts at 2pm shortly after the weigh-in.