RAHEEM ACTS LIKE A PRIMA DONNA

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.