GIFTED WBA intercontinental bantamweight champion Tshifhiwa "Atomic Spider" Munyai has joined Golden Gloves Promotion (GGP), Sowetan gathered at the weekend.
GIFTED WBA intercontinental bantamweight champion Tshifhiwa "Atomic Spider" Munyai has joined Golden Gloves Promotion (GGP), Sowetan gathered at the weekend.
A source described Munyai's move to GGP as a "scoop" for promoter Rodney Berman's boxing empire, the biggest promotion house on the continent.
But his trainer, Elias Tshabalala, was coy yesterday when asked about the move. Munyai and Berman were not available for comment.
Tshabalala said Munyai had a contract with Blacky Seoe's Robs Promotions. He said the contract expired on October 15.
"We want to honour the contract and hence I'm surprised by the claims that Tshifhiwa has joined the GGP," Tshabalala said.
He admitted, however, that Berman could take Munyai to greater heights.
"He did so with my other fighters - Dingaan Thobela, 'Sugarboy' Thulani Malinga and Silence Mabuza," he said.
Seoe sounded worried.
"I am not aware of this move because the boy still has a contract with me. But I will check with my manager (Palesa Mosiea) about the allegations," he said.
Munyai, 24, last fought under Robs Promotions in November last year when he outpointed Bongani Mahlangu in Parys.
This writer believes that Munyai could beat all local bantamweight fighters, including IBO champion Simphiwe Vetyeka, WBA Africa holder Vus'Umuzi Malinga and Mabuza.
Munyai made headlines in the UK in 2006 when he severely punished that country's hot prospect Martin Power for the Commonwealth title despite the South African having spent a night in police cells for a "questionable" visa.
Power had been undefeated after 19 fights before Munyai embarrassed him in front of his local fans.
Munyai also earned respect from British boxing fans when he stopped another equally capable local boxer, Lee Haskins, over six rounds also in the UK.
Munyai and Power met for the second time on January 29 2007 and the Limpopo boxer pulverised the Briton over four rounds.
Munyai's virtuoso display in the ring in the UK prompted the British Boxing Control Commission to vote him the 2007 international fighter of the year.
On July 31 Munyai needed less than a minute to defeat Ghanaian Galley Cudjoe at Nasrec Arena. Munyai has 18 wins (9 KOs) and one defeat.
MUNYAI joins ggp
GIFTED WBA intercontinental bantamweight champion Tshifhiwa "Atomic Spider" Munyai has joined Golden Gloves Promotion (GGP), Sowetan gathered at the weekend.
GIFTED WBA intercontinental bantamweight champion Tshifhiwa "Atomic Spider" Munyai has joined Golden Gloves Promotion (GGP), Sowetan gathered at the weekend.
A source described Munyai's move to GGP as a "scoop" for promoter Rodney Berman's boxing empire, the biggest promotion house on the continent.
But his trainer, Elias Tshabalala, was coy yesterday when asked about the move. Munyai and Berman were not available for comment.
Tshabalala said Munyai had a contract with Blacky Seoe's Robs Promotions. He said the contract expired on October 15.
"We want to honour the contract and hence I'm surprised by the claims that Tshifhiwa has joined the GGP," Tshabalala said.
He admitted, however, that Berman could take Munyai to greater heights.
"He did so with my other fighters - Dingaan Thobela, 'Sugarboy' Thulani Malinga and Silence Mabuza," he said.
Seoe sounded worried.
"I am not aware of this move because the boy still has a contract with me. But I will check with my manager (Palesa Mosiea) about the allegations," he said.
Munyai, 24, last fought under Robs Promotions in November last year when he outpointed Bongani Mahlangu in Parys.
This writer believes that Munyai could beat all local bantamweight fighters, including IBO champion Simphiwe Vetyeka, WBA Africa holder Vus'Umuzi Malinga and Mabuza.
Munyai made headlines in the UK in 2006 when he severely punished that country's hot prospect Martin Power for the Commonwealth title despite the South African having spent a night in police cells for a "questionable" visa.
Power had been undefeated after 19 fights before Munyai embarrassed him in front of his local fans.
Munyai also earned respect from British boxing fans when he stopped another equally capable local boxer, Lee Haskins, over six rounds also in the UK.
Munyai and Power met for the second time on January 29 2007 and the Limpopo boxer pulverised the Briton over four rounds.
Munyai's virtuoso display in the ring in the UK prompted the British Boxing Control Commission to vote him the 2007 international fighter of the year.
On July 31 Munyai needed less than a minute to defeat Ghanaian Galley Cudjoe at Nasrec Arena. Munyai has 18 wins (9 KOs) and one defeat.