Boxing In South Africa: IBF Eliminator Between Raheem And Funeka

By Mesuli Zifo

After the boxing extravaganza featuring the world title between Cassius Baloyi and Mzonke Fana in Mafikeng, the next stop will be East London. This was revealed by fight promoter Branco Milenkovic, who staged the gigantic show in Mafikeng.

The show was attended by international boxing personalities from Puerto Rico, Germany, England, Philippines and United States. It left a socio-economic impact in the sleepy town of Mafikeng in the North West province.

Milenkovic said the Eastern Cape would be next in line when East London host the anticipated International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightweight title eliminator between Ali Funeka and American Zahir Raheem.

This after Milenkovic won the purse bids of the fight held in New Jersey in US last week. “We are coming down to your area with a bang and boxing stakeholders there should be better prepared for the big show,” he said.

Milenkovic will stage the fight in conjunction with Funeka’s local promoter Mzi Mnguni on a date yet to be announced.

But, according to the rules of the purse bids, the fight will have to be staged within 90 days and the date should be announced within 14 days of winning the bid.

At the weekend, Milenkovic and Mnguni held a lengthy meeting at the Mmabatho Hotel foyer tying up the loose ends such as television rights. “We had a fruitful meeting and we should announce the date of the fight this week,” said Mnguni.

“It will be the biggest fight for the Eastern Cape province and I hope the government will come on board for this prestigious event.”

Already a number of sponsors are lining up to be part of the event which will put East London on the sporting map once again.

IBF championship committee chairperson and American Lindsey Tucker, who attended the fight in Mafikeng, said he would not miss the East London event for anything.

“I do not care which fight I am assigned to but I cannot miss the event in East London because I have never been there and I hear lots of good stories about its boxing passion,” said Tucker.

“That guy is considered a legend and for your province to host an event featuring him would put it on the map,” he said.

Indeed, so big is Raheem that Milenkovic had to part with more than R1.2 million to convince him to come to the country.

The provincial Department of Sports could not be reached to confirm its participation in this prestigious event.