Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Mzimase Mnguni has finally heeded the call.

Having churned out countless boxing champions with prestigious titles Mnguni has taken the next logical step after his career as a trainer.

Mnguni, now a promoter under Eyethu Boxing Promotions, has signed a two-year partnership with Gary Shaw and Cedric Kushner.

Shaw is a top British promoter who operates under the umbrella of Gary Shaw Productions while Kushner, the naturalised American who was born in Cape Town, promotes under the banner of Gotham Promotions.

Mnguni confirmed signing the deal last night. He said it covers six fights.

"I have always wanted to be involved in something that will elevate me to the top as a promoter but this is for my fighters," said this East London-based manager who turned boxers like Welcome Ncita, Mbulelo Botile, Vuyani Bungu and Masibulele Makepula into household names.

"Any boxer worth parading to the world in my stable will be taken care of through this deal."

Mnguni's fighter Ali Funeka is knocking on the door for a shot at the IBF lightweight title. He is rated number one. The champion, Nate Campbell, who also holds the WBO and WBA belts, was supposed to defend against Joan Guzman last month.

But that fight was called off a few hours before it was scheduled to take place because Guzman failed to make the required weight.

The winner was to defend against Funeka. The South African fighter earned that right after winning the elimination bout via a stunning fourth round knockout of American Zahir Raheem in East London in July.

That fight was staged by Branco Milenkovic whose working relationship with Mnguni ended just after that super-fight.