Boxing promoter Branco Milenkovic still walks tall despite recent drug scandals involving boxers who fight under his banner.
”I am still a big promoter,” says the Yugoslavian who operates under the banner of Branco Sports Promotion (BSP).
The naturalised South African has made great strides locally and abroad.
He was voted Boxing SA’s (BSA) promoter of 2003 and although his image now appears to be tainted, Milenkovic dismisses these allegations.
”My image is not damaged, but these doping incidents are disturbing,” he said.
The boxers concerned are Gabula Vabaza (former South African flyweight and WBU junior bantamweight title holder), Vus’Umuzi Malinga (South African and WBC bantamweight title holder), Patrick Malinga and Nkqubela Gwazela (South African and WBC flyweight champion).
Gabula tested positive for dagga in January and BSA suspended him for six months.
Vus’Umuzi and Patrick tested positive for using anabolic steroids in April.
BSA stripped Vusi of his local and WBC ”B”-grade belt and both boxers were suspended for two years. Their father-cum-trainer, Jabulani, was suspended for one year.
Two weeks later, Gwazela — who stopped Moruti Mthalane in 11 rounds to retain his local belt and take home the vacant WBC International title — was confirmed to have failed a drug test that was conducted by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports following Gwazela’s victory over Mthalane.
Gwazela and his trainer, Welsh Mnguni, will appear before a disciplinary hearing in East London on October 23.
”I am losing big money this year. I had invested R60 000 in Vusi and R25 000 in Gwazela.
”My investment is not safe,” said Milenkovic. ”But I will wait for the hearing. I think it will be unfair to jump to any conclusions before the hearing.”
Milenkovic controls about 10 of the 17 local champions in as many weight divisions. — Sapa