Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Rodney Berman's Golden Gloves camp has signed WBF lightweight champion Mlungisi Dlamini.

Berman's camp is already bursting at the seams with no less than 20 up- and-coming, seasoned and veteran fighters.

It boasts world champions such as Cassius Baloyi, Isaac Hlatswayo, Takalani Ndlovu, Thomas Mashaba and Silence Mabuza, to mention but a few. Berman is delighted to have "The Shark" from KwaZulu-Natal among his school of fish.

"I believe Dlamini is an exciting youngster who has everything going for him," he said. "I am told he also has a big heart and that is a must-have in this game. It does not matter how good a fighter is, if he does not have the big heart, then that fighter is good for nothing." said Berman who signed the charismatic fighter on Saturday.

"I am excited," he added.

Dlamini becomes the second big- name fighter to bolt from Theunis Strydom's stable. Thomas Mashaba left Strydom for Berman two months ago.

The IBO featherweight champion cited meagre purse money as the reason for leaving.

Dlamini's trainer, Warren Hulley, preferred that managerial questions be directed to Dlamini's father, Mboneni, who manages his son's career.

"I will call you back after speaking to Rodney," is all Mboneni was prepared to say.

Strydom said he knew nothing about Dlamini's departure.

"I have have a contract with him. It expires on August 10 but I will not contest it. Good luck," said Strydom, whose stable is now left with WBF junior bantamweight titleholder Simphiwe Nongqayi.

Dlamini won the WBF title on March 9, when he stopped Argentinian Ivan Bustos in the fifth round. That fight was promoted by Strydom.