Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Mzonke Fana could be back in action before Christmas, multiple award-winning boxing promoter Branco Milenkovic announced yesterday.

"If all [the pieces of] the jigsaw puzzle that I am working on fall into place in the next two weeks then there is a fight for Fana before Christmas," said Milenkovic, who promotes the successful boxing career of Fana.

"I have already started negotiations with some of my associates abroad. But if Fana feels it will be too soon then, no problem, we will start afresh next year."

Zola Koti, who has moulded Fana to being the shining star that he is today, welcomed Milenkovic's idea.

"No problem at all. Branco must go ahead. This is great news. Look, Cassius Baloyi and Gary St Clair will fight for the IBF's number one spot only in November and the winner will challenge Fana within 90 days, and that is too far.

"Fana did not soak up any punishment last weekend," said the cool-headed mentor who guided Fana to the first defence of the IBF junior lightweight belt against Javier Osvaldo Alvarez on Friday night.

Koti payed tribute to boxing trainers and managers in Johannesburg who helped them with their gyms and sparring during the final stages of their preparations.

"They showed the true spirit of comradeship and we are grateful," he said.

Fana gave some 800 boxing enthusiasts a top drawer performance and crowned it with a clinical knockout in the ninth round. He fought beautifully and was disciplined throughout. Fana kept his cool even when he was on top of his game. He also kept his defence tight.

Their clean slug fest was promoted by Milenkovic in association with Matlosana Municipality and SABC TV at the Banquet Hall in Klerksdorp.