Andrew Muchineripi Boxing
Is Vuyani “The Beast” Bungu hungry enough to retain his IBF junior featherweight title? This question will be answered on Saturday as he makes the 10th defence of his title against Philippine-born Australian Arnel Barotillo at the Carousel.
The determination and hunger he displayed when he dethroned former American Olympic gold medallist Kennedy McKinney at the same venue in 1994 has been missing. In his recent bouts he appeared to lack the aggression and sharpness that made him one of the most feared boxers in his division.
Since American motivator and trainer Terry “Baba” Stotts left the camp of the Mdantsane idol, Bungu seems to have lost his way. In his last fight against Mexican Enrique Jupiter three months ago, Bungu outpointed his opponent but many ringsiders argued that he just scraped through after taking the last two rounds.
However, if the 30-year-old Bungu is at his best he will demoralise his challenger, who is understood to have experienced weight problems in making the junior featherweight limit in the past. With a record of 19-7-2 (with 12 stoppages), Barotillo, seven years younger than Bungu, has campaigned in the featherweight division. But should he fail to make the limit with ease it could prove to be an advantage for the South African, who is expected to tire his opponent.
Even though Barotillo is not a recognised banger, he does possess a decent punch which has enabled him to become a top contender for the title. Barotillo beat Mohammed Nurhuda on points in August 1996 for the IBF Intercontinental title -the same boxer Bungu outclassed in 1995. If Barotillo has any ambitions of capturing the title he must unsettle Bungu (33-2, 18 via stoppages) from the first gong and avoid mixing with him.
Bungu is known for stalking and pressuring his opponents throughout the fight and giving his opponent little time to catch his breath. It is this kind of pressure that Barotillo will experience unless he fights his own fight and avoids a toe-to- toe slugfest with the champion. There’s talk that Bungu could be engaged in a mega- buck meeting with WBO champion Junior Jones for a unification bout in his quest to beat Brian Mitchell’s 12 world title defences.
The Jumbo Cash and Carry “Amabutho Empi” bill will also feature national heavyweight champion Corrie Sanders against American Ross Puritty for the vacant WBU championship.
But Sanders (31) is warned not to go head to head with Puritty if he hopes to lift the title vacated by George Foreman. Sanders (31-1, via 23 knockouts) should use his handspeed and move around to frustrate the big banger who has a reputation for delivering sledgehammers with both hands.
This can be confirmed by Puritty’s last five victories. After turning professional in 1989, Puritty (22-10-2, 20 knockouts) has rubbed shoulders against the likes of Jorge Gonzalez, Ron Gullete, Michael Seals, Calvin Jones and Joe Hipp. His losses were against Hasim Rahman, Michael Grant, Brian Nielsen, John Margent and Kirk Johnson. But he fought a thrilling 10 round draw with Tommy Morrison.
Evergreen IBA junior flyweight champion Jacob “Baby Jake” Matlala is fancied to beat Colombian Luis Doria in an international contest. The 36-year-old Matlala (46-11-2) is raring to regain the WBO title which he relinquished in order to fight the legendary American Michael Carbajal in his last bout. So this should serve as a warm-up for the pint-sized Soweto boxer who depends solely on his dedication, commitment and fitness.
Doria (13-2, with nine stoppages) has a highly impressive amateur pedigree and the reputation of being a non-stop fighter with vicious uppercut-left hook combinations.
Cassius Baloyi faces a mammoth task against unknown Hungarian Laszlo Bognar (18-0-1) when he stakes his WBU super-bantamweight title over 12 rounds. Baloyi (17-0-1) has a thudding leftjab and can also adapt to any situation, but he must not take Bognar lightly because underdogs often cause upsets. The much-improved Baloyi is fast gaining recognition and promoter Rodney Berman has big plans which may lead to a money-spinning unification bout in the future for him .
The fight that is likely to capture the interests of many fight lovers is a middleweight 10-rounder between the 47- year-old Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran and late substitute David Radford of England. Radford comes in for PJ Goossen who injured his ankle during training early this week.
Duran has scored 69 knockouts from 100 victories with 13 defeats compared to Radford’s record of 15-7-2.
Legend Marvelous Marvin Hagler’s presence at the ringside will be a treat for local fans.