/ 2 March 2004

Angry boxer could be in hot water

Acting CEO of Boxing South Africa Krish Naidoo is upset by Mzimase Mnguni’s live outburst on national television after a national championship bout in Cape Town.

Mnguni’s charge Neo Seboka suffered a fourth-round stoppage defeat on Friday night against former South African mini-flyweight holder S’Thembele Kibiti, who was about 3kg over the required limit.

But Kibiti (49,50kg), who forfeited his belt on Thursday afternoon after failing to make the required limit of 47,63kg, was not crowned after his victory because he failed to make the required weight.

Mnguni complained bitterly on Blow by Blow on Friday night that the championship should not have taken place at all.

”Kibiti came in as a flyweight. I do not understand why this fight went ahead.

”I am sure that this fight would have been cancelled had it not been scheduled as a television fight,” he said.

Mnguni said on Monday: ”I understand and accept that there was a contract but there should have been at least a limit.

”Kibiti fought in two weight divisions and obviously he enjoyed an unfair massive weight and power advantage.

”I just wonder how much was he going into the fight.”

But judging by Naidoo’s response on Monday afternoon, Mnguni, who is a top trainer, promoter and chairperson of the Promoters Association, could be in hot water.

Naidoo said: ”The current boxing regulations do not state exactly how much must be the weight difference in situations like the one we had on Friday.

”There is no limit. But everything was discussed together with all the concerned parties well before the fight.

”I just do not understand why Mnguni behaved that way after the fight.

”It was ill discipline. I did not expect such behaviour from the chairman of the promoters’ association. He set a bad example.” — Sapa