×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

payback for tete

HARDCORE fight fans who have not seen Zolani "Last Born" Tete in action are in for a treat at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni on Friday night.

HARDCORE fight fans who have not seen Zolani "Last Born" Tete in action are in for a treat at Emperors Palace in Ekurhuleni on Friday night.

That is not only because of the magnitude of the fight against Richard Garcia - with the right to challenge IBF flyweight champion Moruti Mthalane at stake.

It is also because this shining star intends to repay promoter Branco Milenkovic and his acquaintances in the IBF for affording him such a great opportunity when it was least expected.

Tete has only 12 fights, with 11 stoppages, but he already occupies the No 4 spot courtesy of Milenkovic, who used his association with the IBF to charm its sanctioning committee to appoint the 21-year-old to fight Garcia.

The towering Serb promoter has not seen much of Tete in action except for his dazzling first-round win over Anthony Mathias for the WBO Africa title at Wembley Arena on November 20.

That was Tete's debut under Branco Sports Productions, which has a partnership with Tete's manager Butityi Konki.

Milenkovic has not seen the Mdantsane product fight, not because Tete is under-exposed but simply because Tete does not spend too much time inside the ring.

Tete fights and knocks opponents senseless, as in the case of legendary American fighter Thomas "Hitman" Hearns.

Nine of Tete's 12 victims did not see the second round.

So far Zolani Ntese remains the only fighter to last 12 rounds with Tete, who gained ground under trainers Vuyani and Dudu Bungu at the famed Eyethu Gym of accomplished manager Mzimase Mnguni.

Tete is now under Konki, whose support systems at BK Sports look set to steer his charge to even greater heights.

Yesterday Konki, Tete, Ali Funeka, Simphiwe Vetyeka and the Bungu brothers caused a stir with their snazzy clothes at the SABC, where Tete and Garcia came face-to-face for a media briefing.

Tete, a man of few words, said: "My gratitude to my manager Butityi and promoter Branco for getting me this fight. I will not disappoint them. I'm ready, thanks to my my trainers Vuyani and Dudu."

Garcia's trainer Joven Jiminez warned: "We came here for victory because we want to fight Mthalane."

This 12-rounder, the main bout of Milenkovic's seven- card tournament, will be televised live on Blow by Blow on SABC2 at 10.30pm on Friday.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.