Malinga stripped of Zulu garb
SOUTH African boxer Vusi Malinga is an angry man after American customs officials stripped him of his traditional Zulu hat, fighting gown and bracelet, which is known as isiphandla.
Isiphandla is a bracelet made out of goat skin and is deemed to have protective qualities.
The gown, hat and isiphandla were all confiscated soon after Malinga and his entourage landed at the airport in Los Angeles ahead of Saturday's fight against Mexican Leo Santa Cruz.
This is the biggest fight for the Ekurhuleni-based Malinga, who is hoping to win his first world title in the fight for the vacant IBF bantamweight belt against Cruz, who is unbeaten in 19 fights.
Malinga, who is of Zulu royal blood, is accompanied by his trainer and father Jabu and two brothers - Patrick, a former South African lightweight champion and Peter, a former IBO and WBU welterweight champion.
The promising fighter was detained for four hours at the Los Angeles customs office when officials instructed him to leave his Zulu traditional regalia behind or return to Johannesburg.
"I'm hurt after my fighting gear and isiphandla were taken away from me, but I will show them I'm the best boxer by winning the title on Saturday," Malinga said.
Promoter Branco Milenkovic said that "for Vusi to be forced to fight without his traditional gear may affect him".
ANGRY MAN: Vusi Malinga 
Comments
MGEEZ
Ag men; when in rome it is expected to do as romans do. No big deal here!!!Report Abuse
MorenaWaPolelo
So what if you dont like it return home SirReport Abuse
Sugaar
he were suppose to wear isiphandla on the pen*s.Report Abuse
Tgee
Sugaarhe were suppose to wear isiphandla on the pen*s
****
kwakwaaaa you are so insane idiot
Report Abuse
TupacAmaru
I dont see much of a problem because the real fight should be in the ring...not at the airpot.I'ts funny though they didnt allow him to wear his Zulu outfit cos just a few years ago in 1961, Chief Luthuli received a Nobel Peace Prize wearing isiphandla and ibheshu. Ngapha ephethe esandleni ngisho nomkhonto. I don't know.
Report Abuse
Voetzek
These americans are Mampara, why they dont strip Igwee from nigeria his big gown customs , NxaaaaaReport Abuse
raludzingana
uya penga, come back home.Report Abuse
hulas
zuluboy you should have just called off the fight and make a you turn to joburg.To show the world that you are devoted zuluboy.Report Abuse
DJWinner
These uncultured things undermining our culture. We don't tell these people to remove their nose rings and those stupid big chains when they come here. Americans have always been looking down at us and our culture.Report Abuse
tpaz
this is not King Shaka Airport.....Report Abuse
Read all 71 comments