| |
|
RAHEEM ACTS LIKE A PRIMA DONNA
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 26 Jun 2008
World-rated American lightweight Zahir ?Z-Man? Raheem who has a big win over Mexican legend Erik ?El Terrible? Morales in his record of 29-2 with 17 knockouts is acting like a prima-donna prior to his July 5 IBF title eliminator against South Africa?s Ali ?Rush Hour? Funeka at the Jan Smuts Stadium in East London.
Well known boxing promoter Branco Milenkovic informed Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Raheem went ahead and booked his own hotel accommodation and made his own travel arrangements.
Raheem who is scheduled to arrive in South Africa on Sunday with a seven man entourage reportedly snubbed the accommodation arranged by Milenkovic and instead booked himself into a top hotel in East London.
It was also reported that the handlers of Funeka who is ranked No. 5 by the IBF while Raheem is one rung higher at No.4 was seething with anger over the officials appointed by the IBF for the title eliminator.
Named as the third man in the ring was American Ernie Sharif while the fight supervisor is another American Aaron Kizer while one of the judges chosen is New Jersey born Steve Walsfelt. The two other judges are Dave Parris from Britain and South African Alfred Buqwana.
Funeka?s manager Mzi Mnguni said ?it is obvious that American officials will favor Raheem and I do not know how the promoter can allow this to happen.? However, in fairness to Milenkovic he apparently pleaded with the IBF to make some changes but to no avail.
In the supporting main event of a blockbuster card pulled off by Milenkovic with substantial support from the Eastern Cape government South African flyweight Muruti Mthalane will clash with Australian Hussein Hussein whose title fight against reigning IBF champion Nonito ?The Filipino Flash? Donaire which was scheduled to take place in Dubai last April was cancelled.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Heartbreak in Johannesburg: Jerusalem Dethroned by Kuse in Bloody Rematch
By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 17 May 2026Roy Jones Jr. Blasts Dana White and Zuffa’s Push to Reshape Boxing During Explosive “Boxing Primetime Show” Interview
, Sat, 16 May 2026Weigh-In Results: Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II
, Sat, 16 May 2026Jerusalem vs. Kuse II: High-Stakes Rematch in Johannesburg
By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 16 May 2026Hometown Hero Edward Vazquez Returns to ProBoxTV on Friday, June 5, to Face Mexico’s Daniel Lugo in the 10-round Main Event of ‘The Contender Series’ at University of Texas in Arlington
, Sat, 16 May 2026AQ Prime to host 2 big tournaments
By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 16 May 2026June 6 announcement: Padley-Fiaz to Main Event in Sheffield after Galal Yafai setback
, Fri, 15 May 2026Press Conference Notes: Keyshawn Davis Ready to Settle Unfinished Business in Saturday’s Hometown Rematch against Nahir Albright LIVE on DAZN
, Fri, 15 May 2026Eros Correa vs. Anthony Garnica, Set to Clash for WBC Continental Americas Title.
, Fri, 15 May 2026Eman-Perez rematch now title-match
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 15 May 2026Montreal Experience greatly benefited Undefeated Kansas boxing prospect Marco Romero for this Saturday’s fight
, Fri, 15 May 2026”MERCILESS” RAY MERCER TO ATTEND 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND
, Fri, 15 May 2026IIEE Metro Central dominates the IIEE National Midyear Convention sportsfest
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 15 May 2026Ancajas Boxing team to join Koronadal slugfest
By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 15 May 2026Jojo Legaspi eyes four squads in JCI Senate Lipa 3X3 Open Rapid Chess Tournament on June 20
By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 15 May 2026Paras ready to face Yokoyama on June 6
By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 14 May 2026Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright II Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
, Thu, 14 May 2026Champion Outside the Ring: Gustavo Trujillo and Bio Cell Wellness Group Support Children with Autism Through Life-Changing Therapies
, Thu, 14 May 2026IBA and WBA successfully deliver first joint professional training course for referees and judges
, Wed, 13 May 2026GAB to give managers, matchmakers and trainers 3 years license
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026ROBIN “ROBZ” SAFAR TO FACE ARGENTINA’S HIGHLY RATED YAMIL PERALTA FOR WBC SILVER CRUISERWEIGHT TITLE
, Wed, 13 May 2026Influencer/boxer Brooklyn Barwick anxious to Bounce back from first loss this Saturday in South Carolina
, Wed, 13 May 2026Mama ready to facer Ayala in Mexico
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026Demecillo to fight undefeated Martin on May 16
By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 13 May 2026‘Rumble at the Rink II’ card to feature Pro Boxing & Sports Entertainment Experience this Saturday in Quincy (MA)
, Wed, 13 May 2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
