Mtya in Tete’s corner to get him into shipshape

IBF world junior-bantamweight champion Zolani Tete  roped in former Boxing SA acting chief executive Loyiso Mtya as his trainer.

This while Tete, from Mdantsane is mired in a dilemma on whether he should honour his mandatory title defence against Puerto Rican challenger McJoe Arroyo.

Last week, Golden Boy Promotions (GBP) pledged a paltry $25000 (about R298000) to win the promotional rights of the fight with Tete entitled to 75%  of the cash.

This means Tete will only be paid about R220000 excluding travelling, accommodation as well as tax.

There was speculation  he would rather vacate the title and  travel to US or Puerto Rico where the fight is likely to be held. GBP, owned by   legendary Oscar de la Hoya, is yet to announce the fight date and venue.

Despite the uncertainty, Tete has been working hard in training under the watchful eye of Mtya whom he officially hired about four weeks ago.

Tete’s manager Mla Tengimfene confirmed  the 26-year-old told him to secure him Mtya as his trainer.

“Zolani specifically demanded me to speak to Bro Loys about training him and I did,” said Tengimfene.

However, the hiring of Mtya has rubbed Tete’s promoter Branco Milenkovic the wrong way.

Having clashed with Mtya when he was still BSA boss being investigated for  fraud among others, Milenkovic supplied  information which allegedly swayed matters against the former.

“I really do not understand the wisdom of bringing Mr Mtya as trainer,” said Milenkovic.

Mtya has reportedly been training Tete for his last three bouts which he won in impressive fashion.

Mtya refused to comment on reports  he has been helping the boxer behind the scenes while still holding his position as acting chief executive.

“All I can confirm is  I am now officially training Tete,” he said.

Tete credited Mtya’s tutelage on his return from England where he knocked out previously unbeaten English challenger Paul Butler in eight rounds to retain his crown.

However,  due to the cooling off period from his position at BSA, Mtya cannot obtain a  licence as a trainer as yet, meaning he will not yet man Tete’s corner.

In an elimination clash against Juan Carlos Sanchez, which he won by a 10th round stoppage, Tete had Mhikiza Myekeni in his corner –  who was also present when the boxer lifted the IBF crown by beating Teiru Kinoshita in Japan.

But against Butler, Tete had former world champion Lehlo Ledwaba barking instructions. Tengimfene revealed  he had a long chat with Tete and the pair reached an agreement to go ahead with the defence against Arroyo.

“Fortunately I  hinted to Zolani  the mandatory defence against Arroyo might pay peanuts.

“And after interrogating the matter we agreed  he would not vacate,” said Tengimfene.

“He is fired up to take the fight and sees the opportunity to fight in a GBP show as a window to market himself to the US boxing scene.”