By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Colin ‘Nomakanjani’ Nathan has admitted that Matchroom managing director Eddie Hearn sent him a letter seeking clarification on Azinga ‘Golden Boy’ Fuzile’s availability to fight against Martin Ward from the United Kingdom.
The letter from Hearn came after Fuzile’s trainer Mzamo ‘Chief’ Njekanye had raised concerns and questioned the wisdom of going straight to Ward instead of getting a warm-up fight. Njekanye was concerned about Fuzile’s long lay-off.
The hugely talented former South African featherweight champion has not laced his gloves in a competitive bout since his eighth round stoppage by Shavkatzdhon Rakhimov from Tajikistan in September 2019. On the other hand, Ward last fought when he defeated Mexican boxer Jesus Amparan in February last year.
“Yes, I received the email from Eddie Hearn,” the multiple award-winning trainer confirmed to Ink Sport without going into detail.
We can, however, reveal that Hearn wanted to know whether Fuzile was taking the fight or not as he ‘didn’t want to waste anyone’s time’.
Meanwhile, Rumble Africa Promotions (RAP) chairman Teris Ntutu had separate meetings with Fuzile and Nathan in Johannesburg. Ntutu also had a telephone conversation with Njekanye to map the way forward for Fuzile.
“We are delighted to inform the boxing community that all parties agreed to find common ground in the recent impasse and they have committed to play their various roles and pledged to work together in their various responsibilities,” a statement from RAP said on Saturday evening.
