2009/09/23
By SABELO SKITI
WORLD title contender Ali Funeka was yesterday confirmed as promoter Butityi Nkonki’s latest boxing acquisition after the two parties agreed to terms to form a managerial relationship.
The 31-year-old, who challenges for the vacant lightweight IBF world title later this year, terminated his contract with manager Sihle Mnguni of Eyethu Boxing Promotions after a period of sustained interest from Nkonki.
Last week the Daily Dispatch reported that Eastern Cape-born businessman, Nkonki, had all but agreed to terms with Funeka and would seal the deal over the weekend.
Both Funeka and trainer Dudu Bungu – who also left Eyethu for Nkonki’s new stable at the weekend – were seen celebrating national junior-featherweight champion Mabhuti Sinyabi’s win with Nkonki’s entourage at Hemingways in East London last Friday.
Bungu joins older brother Vuyani, who was roped in by Nkonki to train his fighters that include Simphiwe Vetyeka and Phillip Ndou.
Announcing the deal, Mzi Mnguni after meeting with Nkonki and the fighter, said it was in Funeka’s best interest to be released to the new camp.
“Looking at the fighter’s needs and the fact that he is in a position to give him a monthly salary, there was no way we could not let him benefit. In fact we wish him the best of luck and as it is he will continue to train at Eyethu,” said Mnguni.
Mnguni revealed he had been in discussion with Nkonki after media reports surfaced that Funeka would leave camp last week.
“The statements, he was making in the media last week, about signing Ali forced us to sit down and talk to him and hear what he had in store for Ali,” said Mnguni.
He also said the deal would not affect Funeka’s promotional contract with himself (Mzi) and his American partners Cedric Kushner and Gary Shaw.
It would also not affect his IBF title aspirations against Joan Guzman in November, Mnguni said.
“We (Mnguni, Kushner, and Shaw) still have a promotional contract with him, so I must make sure whatever happens doesn’t affect our promotions.
“He felt he could get a better management deal elsewhere and as a result he was freed to go.”
Funeka could not be reached for comment by end of the day yesterday.
Though none of the people involved in the deal would confirm it, sources revealed Funeka will receive a sign-on fee of between R275000 and R375000, plus a R20000 monthly salary. Sources further said Bungu would also receive a monthly salary plus a percentage of Funeka’s purses.
Funeka is the latest in a long line of boxers to have left Eyethu in the past 24 months.
Fighters like the Sinyabi brothers, Xolisile and Sizwe, Zolani Tete and Mfundo Gwayana all left the Mdantsane gym for Johannesburg.
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