By Mesuli Zifo

The camp of top American fighter Zahir Raheem has refuted reports that he is underestimating Ali Funeka ahead of their eagerly anticipated IBF Lightweight title eliminator at East London’s Jan Smuts Stadium on July 5.

This after Raheem’s American management read the Daily Dispatch article which quoted him as saying that Funeka was not in his league after he viewed his fights on video.

In a statement, Bobby Dobbs, matchmaker for Raheem’s promoter Tony Holden, said the American fighter had taken strong exception to the Dispatch report.

“Contrary to some published reports, Zahir has the utmost respect for Funeka and knows the July 5th bout will be one of his toughest,” Dobbs said.

Dobbs also denied that Raheem had snubbed lodging arranged by fight promoter Branco Milenkovic. This after the American was said to have booked his own lodging in East London costing him R5000 ($600+ usd) per night.

Dobbs said because of the terms of the purse bid – won by Milenkovic in April – the American entourage was entitled to arrange its own lodging.

“Due to this fight being the result of a purse bid, promoter Branco Milenkovic was not obligated to pay for rooms or travel. However, he graciously provided two airline tickets and accommodation for two people for three nights,” Dobbs said, denying that the lodging Raheem had booked was lavish.

The American will arrive in East London on Sunday with an entourage of seven.

Dobbs admitted he booked more rooms for the rest of the camp, insisting this had cost less than that arranged by Milenkovic. However, it is understood that Milenkovic’s lodging cost R2500 per room per night.

Reacting to Dobbs’ comments, Milenkovic said the American camp interpreted the Dispatch article as creating animosity between the camp and him.

“Dobbs called me expressing his displeasure regarding your article but I told him not to worry because you are my friend and will also be his friend when he arrives in East London,” he said.

Milenkovic added that Dobbs didn’t want to create the impression he was “degrading the African continent”.

Raheem comes off a sensational first-round knockout of tough contender Ricardo Dominguez in January.

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Boxing News Tags: Ali Funeka, IBF, Zahir Raheem