HOT STUFF: Ali Funeka is well-prepared for the Joan Guzman clash.
2009/11/17
ALI FUNEKA’s International Boxing Federation world title fight against Joan Guzman later this month will be about more than boxing, according to Funeka’s trainer, Vuyani Bungu.
Funeka will carry the nation’s hopes for another title when he goes up against the Latin-American in Quebec, Canada on November 28.
Ahead of the fight, his manager Butityi Konki’s decision to retain his trainers Vuyani and Dudu Bungu in his corner has created consternation in local boxing.
This is because it is common practice that when a fighter challenges overseas, an outside consultant – normally from the opponent’s country – is brought in to assist.
Defending the decision, Bungu said it showed Konki had confidence in locals getting the job done. The former IBF super-bantamweight world champion was looking forward to proving himself in the ring backing Funeka.
“I’ve been working with Ali for a long time, even as far back as when he was South African champion, and I was with him in his last fight, against (Nate) Campbell,” Bungu said. “It’s just that we were always behind the scenes, so many people don’t know our involvement in his success.”
Bungu, known as “The Beast”, believes it is important to trust local trainers. “In fact looking back to the last fight against Campbell (Funeka lost the fight in February), it was a big part of the Americans’ game to talk big before the fight. They believed in themselves and it rattled us a bit.
“This time it won’t happen. We will return their bravado with our own,” Bungu said. As a fighter, he defended his world title 13 times, experience which he says will count on the international stage.
“With my experience and understanding of Americans, I more or less know what to expect from Guzman’s corner.”
But veteran boxing personality Mzimasi Mnguni, now Funeka’s promoter, felt using the two trainers would be a disadvantage for the fighter.
Mnguni, who credits the use of outsiders such as American trainer Luther Burgess to his success with former world champions Welcome Ncita, Bungu, Zolani Petelo and Mbulelo Botile, said: “This is the most important fight of Ali’s life and the team must be beefed up. They will be fighting an unbeaten boxer, a former world champion, who is more dangerous than any opponent Ali’s ever faced.
“Vuyani is a very good trainer, but when you get to a certain level you need a more respected name in your corner,” he said.
“Besides valuable inside information, an outsider would also be good for public relations, boost the fighter’s confidence and help him settle.” – By SABELO SKITI
ALI FUNEKA
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