FORMER four-time world champion Zolani "Untouchable" Marali has hit an all-time low financially and has put his Johannesburg flat on auction to make ends meet

A full-time boxer, Marali held the national, IBO and WBF junior featherweight titles, as well as the IBO and WBF junior lightweight belts.

Marali is struggling because fights are hard to come by.

His last fight was exactly a year ago against Kgotla "Bang Bang" Baeti, which he won on points.

"The flat was my investment and I'm selling it because of the circumstances," Marali told Sowetan yesterday. "Life is tough and I'm struggling to survive without fights."

Asked if he would return to Mdantsane after selling his two-bedroom flat in Yeoville, the gifted 33-year-old lefty said he would continue to fight in Johannesburg.

"I will look for a place to rent in Johannesburg because I am alone here. My family is back home where I have a house."

Marali, who does not have a promoter after his contract with Golden Gloves expired, is under the guidance of wily Gauteng trainer Elias Tshabalala.

The lanky and athletic fighter, who can beat any local boxer in the lightweight division when he is in good shape, feels he has lots of fire-power left.

He added: "I just need action and I will do what comes naturally".

Despite having to sell his flat (the asking price is from R350,000), Marali advised fellow fighters to invest in property rather than items such as cars that rapidly depreciate in value.

"I don't regret buying property because this will help me a great deal in difficult times like these.

"Yes, a car is a necessity but we should buy one when we need it and refrain from buying a fleet of expensive cars to show off.

"We should live within our means. Life in boxing is unpredictable because fights are not guaranteed.

"We need something to rely on when days are dark."

Marali turned professional in 2001 after representing South Africa at the All Africa Games in 1999.