WORLD-acclaimed boxing trainer Boy Boy “Bika” Mpulampula has reunited with former world champion Nkosinathi Joyi and the reunion could not have come at a more challenging time.
Joyi and Mpulampula reunites when the former is busy preparing for the rematch against Filipino Rey Loreto for the IBO junior-flyweight title clash in East London next weekend.
Loreto knocked him out in four rounds to capture the IBO crown in Monte Carlo, Monaco this past February.
Joyi’s defeat was followed by wild accusations from his Johannesburg trainer Gert Strydom that his promoters Siphatho Handi and Rodney Berman did not look after the welfare of the boxer.
Joyi also joined the fray revealing that he was grossly overweight before the fight.
The standoff spoiled the relationship between Joyi and Berman and ever since the fighter has not featured in his tournaments.
In the midst of that Handi and Strydom severed ties, with Handi taking Joyi back to Mpulampula.
While his method of training is different from Strydom’s, Mpulampula says he has fitted with Joyi like a hand in glove.
“We are back to what we used to do and fortunately Joyi is still the same old boxer he was before,” he said.
Indeed watching them working the mitts at Mdantsane Fitness Joint bears testimony to the relationship they enjoy together.
With Mpulampula barking instructions on the ring apron, Joyi pushed fellow junior-flyweight and ex-SA champion Bongani Silila to the backfoot during a heated sparring session.
“Do not open your legs too wide, Nkosinathi. Work your jab,” Mpulampula shouted.
Asked if the weight problem Joyi was said to be suffering before the Loreto fight was not a concern this time around, Mpulampula said the southpaw boxer was already within the flyweight limit.
“Nkosinathi is weighing around 52 or 51kg right now and on the week of the fight he will easily go down to the junior-flyweight. We are checking the weight everyday and I am happy with it right now.”
Mpulampula reveals that Joyi started preparing for the fight in September and has never missed a day in training.
The normal training schedule involves runs at 6am before wood chopping which is Mpulampula’s favourite session to build strength and conditioning.
They then take a break before meeting again at 1.30pm at Fitness Joint for sparring and working the mitts.
After that it’s back at Enothole gymnasium for working on the fight strategy.
Mpulampula has not bothered to get the video-footage of Loreto saying that the Filipino was already an open book.
“We know that he packs a mean left hand with which he used to knockout Joyi in their first fight. Other than that there is nothing special about him,” said Mpulampula.
Indeed Loreto’s win came as a big upset given his poor fight record of 13 losses with just 18 wins and a draw compared to Joyi who suffered only his third loss in 27 bouts.
'Bika' back in Joyi's corner
Joyi and Mpulampula reunites when the former is busy preparing for the rematch against Filipino Rey Loreto for the IBO junior-flyweight title clash in East London next weekend.
Loreto knocked him out in four rounds to capture the IBO crown in Monte Carlo, Monaco this past February.
Joyi’s defeat was followed by wild accusations from his Johannesburg trainer Gert Strydom that his promoters Siphatho Handi and Rodney Berman did not look after the welfare of the boxer.
Joyi also joined the fray revealing that he was grossly overweight before the fight.
The standoff spoiled the relationship between Joyi and Berman and ever since the fighter has not featured in his tournaments.
In the midst of that Handi and Strydom severed ties, with Handi taking Joyi back to Mpulampula.
While his method of training is different from Strydom’s, Mpulampula says he has fitted with Joyi like a hand in glove.
“We are back to what we used to do and fortunately Joyi is still the same old boxer he was before,” he said.
Indeed watching them working the mitts at Mdantsane Fitness Joint bears testimony to the relationship they enjoy together.
With Mpulampula barking instructions on the ring apron, Joyi pushed fellow junior-flyweight and ex-SA champion Bongani Silila to the backfoot during a heated sparring session.
“Do not open your legs too wide, Nkosinathi. Work your jab,” Mpulampula shouted.
Asked if the weight problem Joyi was said to be suffering before the Loreto fight was not a concern this time around, Mpulampula said the southpaw boxer was already within the flyweight limit.
“Nkosinathi is weighing around 52 or 51kg right now and on the week of the fight he will easily go down to the junior-flyweight. We are checking the weight everyday and I am happy with it right now.”
Mpulampula reveals that Joyi started preparing for the fight in September and has never missed a day in training.
The normal training schedule involves runs at 6am before wood chopping which is Mpulampula’s favourite session to build strength and conditioning.
They then take a break before meeting again at 1.30pm at Fitness Joint for sparring and working the mitts.
After that it’s back at Enothole gymnasium for working on the fight strategy.
Mpulampula has not bothered to get the video-footage of Loreto saying that the Filipino was already an open book.
“We know that he packs a mean left hand with which he used to knockout Joyi in their first fight. Other than that there is nothing special about him,” said Mpulampula.
Indeed Loreto’s win came as a big upset given his poor fight record of 13 losses with just 18 wins and a draw compared to Joyi who suffered only his third loss in 27 bouts.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos