Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Ekurhuleni's top boxing mentor Jabulani Malinga dismissed the inkling that his son Vus'Umuzi Malinga is on a mission impossible against Veeraphol Nakhonluang in Thailand because winning a bout there is virtually non existent because of dirty tricks against visi- ting fighters.

Vus'Umuzi will oppose the Thai fighter in their clash for the rights to challenge Hozumi Hasagawa for the World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight belt.

The elimination fight between the second- placed Nakhonluang against Malinga, who is ranked third, will be promoted by Nakhonluang's promoter Suchat Promotions, who won the purse bid in Mexico on Tuesday last week.

They pledged $72,000 (about R500 000) while Malinga's promoter Branco Milenkovic said he had pledged $61,000 (R430 000). According to purse bid rules the fight must take place within three months from the date of the bid.

It was announced that Malinga and Nakhonluang, whose ambition is to end Hasagawa's reign, must both get 50 percent each.

Nakhonluang will enjoy home advantage while Malinga, the current WBC International title holder, could be exposed to dirty tricks that other local fighters have been subjected to in Thailand.

But Jabulani says his son's chances of a win cannot just be ruled out on the basis of what happened to other South Africans although he admits playing dirty is their game there.

"But there is always a first time and I am sure Vusi will win," he said. "Don't forget that we the Malinga clan, are used to making history in boxing. My younger brother "Surgaboy" was the first South African ever to win the WBC title.

"He was not given even the slightest chance against Nigel Benn in his home town in England. But because Sugar was mentally and physically fit for that fight he beat the hell out of Benn.

"That is exactly what Vusi will do. I just need to get him the right sparring partners."