Mnguni's racecard irks Berman

17 June 2009 - 02:00
By Bongani Magasela

GOLDEN Gloves promoter Rodney Berman is furious over weekend reports about allegations that white promoters milked black boxers dry.

GOLDEN Gloves promoter Rodney Berman is furious over weekend reports about allegations that white promoters milked black boxers dry.

Those allegations were made by Berman's associate Mzimase Mnguni and businessman Butyiti Konki who announced that they would start a joint boxing venture.

One of its aims is to stop the exodus of fighters from Eastern Cape to Gauteng. About eight fighters bolted the stable of Mnguni and relocated to Johannesburg. Not all went straight to Nick Durandt. Some went elsewhere but ended with Durandt.

"I've never heard such utter nonsense," said Berman, who together with Mnguni, produced a record number of South African world champions.

The list include Welcome Ncita, Mbulelo Botile, Vuyani Bungu, Sugarboy Malinga, Dingaan Thobela, Jacob Matlala and Cassius Baloyi.

"It is a pity that nobody has ever delved deep into the reasons why so many world champions, some of whom earned millions of rand under white promoters, have lost most of their money."

Mnguni's racecard came as a shock to the boxing fraternity especially in the Eastern Cape where he is alleged to have acted as agent for trainers who wanted their fighters to be promoted by Berman.

Konki's fighters Phillip Ndou and Zolani Marali fight under Golden Gloves umbrella. Ndou will fight Lovemore Ndou (no relation) for the IBO welterweight belt while Simphiwe Vetyeka will oppose Philippines Eric Barcelona for the bantamweight title that will be presented by Berman at Emperors Palace on July 11.