Top promoter helps ailing Mguni
THE deteriorating health condition of prominent Eastern Cape boxing promoter Mzi Mnguni has prompted his Johannesburg associate Rodney Berman to help his fighters to advance their careers.
Berman, who trades under Golden Gloves Promotion (GGP), revealed yesterday that he would take over the promotion of Mnguni’s boxers as dedication to the ailing promoter.
Mnguni is still in hospital recovering from a massive stroke which has left him frail and wheelchair-bound.
This when his Eyethu Promotions is still contracted to pay channel SuperSport to present tournaments.
Since Mnguni was laid low by the stroke, his brother Sihle Mnguni has taken over the promotional duties. However boxers at his Eyethu Boxing Club are reportedly worried about their future especially after Mnguni’s son Mkhuseli allegedly threatened to close the gymnasium which operates at his father’s Mdantsane Hotel.
Touched by his friend’s worsening condition, Berman said he would help Mnguni by promoting his top fighters including reigning IBO junior-featherweight champ Thabo Sonjica.
Sonjica recently produced one of his best performances when he destroyed Toto Helebe in one round to retain his crown in a tournament Mnguni insisted on attending despite his condition.
Seeing Mnguni at ringside in a wheelchair invoked emotions to Sonjica who wept uncontrollably before and after the fight while embracing his ailing promoter.
“In honour of Mzi I will help his fighters to reach their goals hence we will be giving Sonjica a chance to defend his title in August,” said Berman.
Sonjica will defend his crown against Filipino Roli Gasca in a GGP show dubbed “Silver Salvo” at Emperors Palace on August 9.
Other boxers to feature on the bill include Ryno Liebenberg, defending his WBC silver light-heavyweight title against Russian Denis Grachev, as well as Kevin Lerena against an opponent yet to be determined.
Berman and Mnguni formed a formidable force when they produced the most number of world champions including Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bungu, Mbulelo Botile, Zolani Petelo, Masibulele “Hawk” Makepula and Lindi Memani.
Berman says he still regards Mnguni as brother and his offer to help his boxers is just a small token for partnership they formed over the years.
“I am doing this for him to relieve the pressure of being worried about his boxers,” he said.
Sihle commended Berman’s gesture saying it showed the deep friendship he had with his brother.
“This is so generous on the part of Rodney because as you know that boxing is in Bro Mzi’s blood so when he sees his boxers’ future becoming bleak because of his illness it worsens the situation,” he said.
“Rodney does not only help the boxers but calls almost every day to wish Bro Mzi a speedy recovery and that is making a positive impact on him.”
Berman says he will not only help Sonjica with the fight against Gasca but will push him towards a world title conquest.
“We will push Sonjica all the way to the summit of the world because he is a talented boxer.”
Another boxer set to benefit is recently crowned SA junior-welterweight champion Ali Funeka.
However Berman could not say when Funeka will be given a fight.
Berman keeps fire burning
THE deteriorating health condition of prominent Eastern Cape boxing promoter Mzi Mnguni has prompted his Johannesburg associate Rodney Berman to help his fighters to advance their careers.
Berman, who trades under Golden Gloves Promotion (GGP), revealed yesterday that he would take over the promotion of Mnguni’s boxers as dedication to the ailing promoter.
Mnguni is still in hospital recovering from a massive stroke which has left him frail and wheelchair-bound.
This when his Eyethu Promotions is still contracted to pay channel SuperSport to present tournaments.
Since Mnguni was laid low by the stroke, his brother Sihle Mnguni has taken over the promotional duties. However boxers at his Eyethu Boxing Club are reportedly worried about their future especially after Mnguni’s son Mkhuseli allegedly threatened to close the gymnasium which operates at his father’s Mdantsane Hotel.
Touched by his friend’s worsening condition, Berman said he would help Mnguni by promoting his top fighters including reigning IBO junior-featherweight champ Thabo Sonjica.
Sonjica recently produced one of his best performances when he destroyed Toto Helebe in one round to retain his crown in a tournament Mnguni insisted on attending despite his condition.
Seeing Mnguni at ringside in a wheelchair invoked emotions to Sonjica who wept uncontrollably before and after the fight while embracing his ailing promoter.
“In honour of Mzi I will help his fighters to reach their goals hence we will be giving Sonjica a chance to defend his title in August,” said Berman.
Sonjica will defend his crown against Filipino Roli Gasca in a GGP show dubbed “Silver Salvo” at Emperors Palace on August 9.
Other boxers to feature on the bill include Ryno Liebenberg, defending his WBC silver light-heavyweight title against Russian Denis Grachev, as well as Kevin Lerena against an opponent yet to be determined.
Berman and Mnguni formed a formidable force when they produced the most number of world champions including Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bungu, Mbulelo Botile, Zolani Petelo, Masibulele “Hawk” Makepula and Lindi Memani.
Berman says he still regards Mnguni as brother and his offer to help his boxers is just a small token for partnership they formed over the years.
“I am doing this for him to relieve the pressure of being worried about his boxers,” he said.
Sihle commended Berman’s gesture saying it showed the deep friendship he had with his brother.
“This is so generous on the part of Rodney because as you know that boxing is in Bro Mzi’s blood so when he sees his boxers’ future becoming bleak because of his illness it worsens the situation,” he said.
“Rodney does not only help the boxers but calls almost every day to wish Bro Mzi a speedy recovery and that is making a positive impact on him.”
Berman says he will not only help Sonjica with the fight against Gasca but will push him towards a world title conquest.
“We will push Sonjica all the way to the summit of the world because he is a talented boxer.”
Another boxer set to benefit is recently crowned SA junior-welterweight champion Ali Funeka.
However Berman could not say when Funeka will be given a fight.
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