KINGDOMS rise and kingdoms fall.

KINGDOMS rise and kingdoms fall.

But the famed Eyethu Boxing gym of South Africa's esteemed manager, Mzimase Mnguni in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, will always be there - no matter what.

These words came from the bottom of Mnguni's morose heart yesterday.

His gym is now a far cry from the establishment that produced more world champions, mostly from the IBF sanctioning body, than any other in South Africa.

Currently it has two champions who are Mfundo Gwayana (SA junior flyweight) and Zolile Mbityi (IBO junior bantamweight).

Mnguni guided Welcome Ncita, Vuyani Bungu, Mbulelo Botile and Zolani Petelo to win IBF belts against the best opponents in the globe. He also helped them to defend more than five times against credible opponents.

Suggestions are that Mnguni, who also helped Lindi Memani and Hawk Makepula to win WBU and WBO belts, must close shop or hand the gym over to youngsters.

"Well I don't even want to entertain that because Mveleli Luzipho, Vuyani and Dudu Bungu are doing the job of training the fighters very well for that matter.

"I must add that Eyethu will always be there for as long as I live. I will retire at ringside because of my passion for boxing," he said.

About eight boxers, including Makepula (crownless), MacBute Sinyabi (SA junior featherweight champ), Zolani Tete (WBF flyweight holder) defected from Mnguni to Nick Durandt.

"I thought of quitting but Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile advised me otherwise. I also realised that I would be doing some people an undeserved favour if I do that," he said.