Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Boxing SA finds itself between a rock and a hard place regarding Simon Ramoni.

The "Cheetah" a former Gauteng bantamweight, IBO super bantamweight and SA flyweight champion, has represented this sport with aplomb since 1993.

But his illustrious career seems to have reached a cul-de-sac. Ramoni, however, refuses to bow out while he still has his senses.

Nobody, not even Boxing SA, can stop him from earning a living. That is his right.

But the truth must be told and that is that Ramoni, who is from Toekomsrus, must channel his love of boxing in a different direction, such as assisting his trainer Bokkie Martins by perfecting the skills of other fighters.

Ramoni's fighting technique has deteriorated to a point where pride seems to be the only thing driving him. This master fighter has become like a journeyman, losing to youngsters such as Lubabalo Msuthu, Bongani Mahlangu, Mangaliso Dyantyi and Lesley Sekotswe.

Ramoni stunned Britons with his authoritative display on May 27 2000 when he destroyed their idol, Patrick Mullings in nine rounds to retain the IBO belt. That fight was voted IBO Fight of 2000.

But Ramoni was a shadow of his former self in July when he was brutalised by 20-year-old novice Sekotswe from Botswana, for the ABU junior bantamweight belt. That was only Sekotswe' s seventh win in as many fights while Ramoni suffered his 12th defeat from 40 fights.

Ramoni will return to the ring next Sunday against Zolani Tete, a potent puncher from Mdantsane who boasts nine knockouts from 10 wins.

Tete, 20, from the famed Eyethu Gym of Mzimase Mnguni, has not fought since June when he defended the WBF belt for the first time against Francis Miyeyusho.

Tete has vacated that belt and moved up to the junior bantamweight class. His 10-rounder with Ramoni will be presented by Mnguni's Eyethu Promotions at the Mdantsane Indoor Centre.

There will be seven more bouts on the bill. Action will start at 2pm.