Mthunzi Dlamini aims to follow in his late brother's footsteps

MTHUNZI Dlamini is picking up the spear of his older brother - the fallen hero Mlungisi "Killer Shark" Dlamini - and appearing in his first pro fight at Albert Park in Durban on Saturday.

Before he died in a car crash in Harrismith in January, Mlungisi was a member of an elite group of boxers. He held two world titles, the WBF and IBO lightweight belts.

Mlungisi's last fight was on October 13 last year when he won the IBO lightweight belt with a fourth-round knockout of Zolani "Untouchable" Marali at Emperors Palace.

Now Mthunzi, 24, will be hoping to make an impression in his professional boxing debut against Mandlenkosi Khanyeza on Saturday.

Budding trainer Mondli "Blue Jaguar" Mbonambi, a former KwaZulu-Natal junior middle and WBC youth middleweight champion, will man Mthunzi's corner.

The boxer's father, Mboneni Dlamini, who managed Mlungisi, guides Mthunzi's career as well.

The Dlaminis and Mbonambis come from Esikhawini outside Durban.

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government will assist in the establishment of a boxing academy with equipment valued at R250000. A source told Sowetan yesterday that the academy will be dedicated to the late Mlungisi.

Mboneni said Mthunzi started training as a boxer a few days after Mlungisi's death. Mthunzi has no amateur experience, which could count against him in the paid ranks.

But the provincial committee in charge of the graduation of amateur fighters saw fit to grant Mthunzi a professional boxer's licence.

If successful Mthunzi could follow in the footsteps of Aladdin Stevens.

Stevens had no amateur experience but went on to become the Transvaal and SA lightweight champion.

Dlamini's four-rounder with Khanyeza in the featherweight division will form part of the nine-bout programme to be presented by promoter Thulani Magudulela under Ludonga Boxing Promotions.

Mthokozisi Malinga and Khaphathe Mphambanyeni will top the bill with a 12-rounder for the vacant SA middleweight title.