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By Ron Jackson
Promoter Branco Milenkovic stages one of the biggest boxing events ever in East London (South Africa) on Saturday when local boy Ali Funeka meets the highly rated Zahir Raheem from the US in an IBF lightweight title final eliminator and Moruti Mthalane meets Hussein Hussein of Australia in a final eliminator for the IBF flyweight title. The highly rated Raheem 29-2; 17 will be the toughest opponent faced by Funeka 29-1-2, 24 since he made his pro debut in September 1995 when he fought to a draw over four rounds against Simphiwe Xabendlini.

By Brady Crytzer & photos by Gary Sarti
On Wednesday night in Butler, PA, WBO No. 12 heavyweight Brian “The Beast” Minto successfully defended his WBA Fedecentro championship by stopping “Big” John Poore in the first round of their scheduled ten-round contest.

IBF light welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi is 'just waiting for the final word' before confirming his hotly anticipated fight against IBO light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton. In an interview with Setanta Sports News during Steve Bunce's Boxing Hour, Malignaggi was quick to dismiss rumours that he had been offered 'step-a-side' money to make way for Manny Pacquiao. The self styled 'Magic Man' made it clear that Hatton was firmly in his sights. "I'm going to fight Ricky in the fall. It's an opportunity I've been waiting for. I think if I took step-a-side money I'd basically be selling out and not giving myself the opportunity I've always craved." Malignaggi added that he learned from his lackluster performance against Lovemore N'dou earlier in the year. "I was trying too hard to impress everybody out there. I think I should have concentrated on impressing everyone with my performance," he said. "But I managed to pull out the win and I look ahead to the future. Believe me; I'll redeem myself with my performance in the fall [against Hatton]."

I think Paulie is indeed Hatton's #1 contender and I do hope the fight comes off.

Raheem is one of my least favorite fighters.

He had such potential, but he hasn't shown any heart in a very long time. He wins the same way Ruiz did, by holding to the point that their opponent doesn't know what to do.