Boxing In South Africa: Extravaganza Set For East London July 5

ByBoxing Press

By Mesuli Zifo

The Eastern Cape government has moved swiftly to save a world boxing extravaganza featuring a top American fighter from being moved from East London.

They’ve clinched the deal with fight promoter Branco Milenkovic to stage the event in East London on July 5.

The coup means that Mdantsane fighter Ali Funeka will enjoy home ground advantage when clashing against highly rated American Zahir Raheem for the IBF lightweight title eliminator at a venue yet to be decided.

Milenkovic and officials from the Department of Sport were busy combing the city for a suitable venue; the Orient Theatre is considered not up to standard to stage a tournament of such a magnitude.

Absa Stadium, which was the first preference, is reportedly not available and that has left organisers in a state of panic.

Department head Bubele Mfenyana said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for the department to put the province on the world boxing map. It is our objective to market this province as a sporting destination ahead of the 2010 Soccer World Cup and this tournament presents us with that goal.”

The clash will rate as one of the highest profile boxing events ever held in the country due to the reputation commanded by the American on the world boxing scene.

And the fact that the tournament will also feature another IBF title eliminator in the flyweight division between KwaZulu-Natal-born Johannesburg-based Muruti Mthalane and Aussie Hussein Hussein will only add to its magnitude.

Milenkovic said it was the biggest he had ever been involved in. “My hands are full as we speak, tightening up loose ends because the date is just around the corner,” he said.

“We want to make this event the biggest sporting extravaganza on the African continent.”

Milenkovic secured the Funeka-Raheem bout when he posted a R1.2million (150000) bid, beating Raheem’s promoter who only pledged R1.12m in April.

He refused to divulge the amount the provincial government was paying, only admitting that it was “ substantial”.

Yesterday Funeka said: “It proves that we do not have to relocate to Gauteng in order to be involved in these big fights. I am so grateful to the provincial government for making it possible for me to fight at home …what is left now is for me to kick Raheem’s butt.”