MZIMASI Mnguni will be a distinguished guest at Emperors Palace on Saturday when his charge, Thabo “Super Eagle” Sonjica, defends his International Boxing Organisation (IBO) junior featherweight title against Roli Gasca, promoter Rodney Berman said at the prefight medical weigh-in at Kempton Park on Tuesday.
“I am definitely bringing in my dear friend (Mnguni) to be at ringside when his fighter defends,” said Berman.
Berman?s Golden Gloves Promotions is assisting the stricken Mnguni, whose Eyethu Boxing Gym has produced many great world champions.
Berman and Mnguni guided Welcome “Hawk” Ncita to victory for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight title in Israel in 1990.
Ncita was at the prefight medical for Berman?s Silver Salvo tournament, which will be headlined by the WBC Silver light heavyweight championship between Ryno “The Lion” Liebenberg and Denis “Drago?s Son” Grachev.
Mnguni had a stroke on his way to the IBO flyweight title clash between Moruti Mthalane and Filipino Jether Oliva in March. “Surely his presence will inspire Sonjica, whom we want to guide in the same direction as Ncita and Vuyani Bungu,” said Berman.
Mnguni, who is in a wheelchair, received special permission to leave hospital to be at ringside at East London?s Orient Theatre when Sonjica demolished Toto Helebe in one round on June 8. That was the left-hander?s first defence.
Sonjica?s prefight weigh-in was done back home in East London. His opponent Gasca, who is from the Philippines, is already within the weight limit.
Local referee Tony Nyangiwe will be in charge of the fight while Sazi Xamlashe (South Africa), American John Rupert and Torben Hansen from Denmark will be judges. IBO representative in Africa Len Hunt will supervise the bout.
Liebenberg and Grachev, from Russia, were also within the required weight limit, which is 5% of the actual weight limit of 86kg. Liebenberg registered 81.35kg and Grachev 82kg exactly.
The World Boxing Council has appointed Fred Ghartey from Ghana to be the third man in the ring. Judges are Kevin Scott (US), Lateef Muiss (Nigeria) and Joe Chaane (South Africa).
Bob Logist from Belgium will supervise the contest.
The tournament features Kevin “KO Kid” Lerena, making a comeback under Berman?s banner against Argentinian Marcos Antonion Aumada in the cruiserweight class over eight rounds.
Golden Gloves prospect Thabang “Pretty Boy” Ramagole will be in action against Olwethu Ngamlana in the junior flyweight over six rounds, while Ashley “Stimela” Dlamini and Thanduxolo Gatyeni will complete the bill with their junior lightweight six-rounder.
The official weigh-in is at Emperors Palace on Friday.
His presence will inspire Sonjica, whom we want to guide in the same direction as Welcome Ncita and Vuyani Bungu
