ALI "Rush Hour" Funeka has warned local boxers in the junior welterweight division to stay away from him if they want to continue with their careers.
One of the reason, he says, is that he is fighting against time. At 36 "Rush Hour", as the lanky former South African junior lightweight and WBC International lightweight and WBF junior welterweight champion from Mdantsane is known, could have ended the career of Mzolisi Yoyo on Saturday night.
Funeka turned off the lights against Yoyo in their fight at East London's Orient Theatre, bringing to a screeching halt his reign as the national junior welterweight champion. At least, Yoyo has something to show for being at helm since 2011 - a Boxing SA belt as he made five defences of the national title.
"I'm world-class material and my focus is in the international arena," warned the hungrier, meaner and determined Funeka, whose crippling power in both hands has left 28 of his 34 victims counting stars.
Funeka ended the career of Jason "Badman" Bedeman - the 25-year-old promising fighter who had to be stretchered off to a hospital in Kempton Park on September 30 after he had been knocked out in the first round at Emperors Palace.
His manager, Sihle Mnguni, is pleading with promoters to give his charge international fights .
"We fought for the South African title just to keep active," said Mnguni. "Our focus is in the international arena."
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.