Mzi reminder of the dearth of bouts

The presence of ailing boxing guru and wheelchair-bound Mzi Mnguni at yesterday’s weigh-in signified the dire straits of South African boxing.

Mnguni took time to attend Xaba Promotions and Events tournament weigh-in ceremony where his charge Xolisa Magusha will dare to topple XPE-promoted Siphamandla Baleni in one of tonight’s bouts at the Orient Theatre.

The main bout will be a IBF Intercontinental junior-featherweight title encounter between brilliant Ludumo Galada and Burkinabe Elexis Bokere.

Mzuvukile Magwaca will also be in action. But the focus is on Baleni-Magusha’s clash due to the involvement of Mnguni whose boxing promotion exploits have been fingered as a missing link in the dwindling state of boxing in the province.

In an unprecedented move, the province only organised less than 20 tournaments this year and when reminded of the malaise Mnguni admitted that his Midas touch was solely missed.

“Yes I see that tournaments have been scarce this year but I don’t think it's fair to attribute it on my absence,” he said.

Interestingly, Mnguni whose first national champ was junior-lightweight Phila Mpontshane says Magusha will follow suit.

“As you can see, December is a special month for us and I’m confident Magusha will use this omen by taking this title, he said.

Mpontshane had no illusions about Magusha’s chances tonight saying he will swing it his way.