By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Talented Duncan Village boxer Azinga ‘Golden Boy’ Fuzile has decided to move up one division from junior-lightweight to lightweight.
This was confirmed to Ink Sport by both Fuzile and his trainer Mzamo ‘Chief’ Njekanye on Sunday.
“I’m going to change divisions this year. Chief and I have agreed that I must move to the lightweight division,” Fuzile confirmed.
The 25-year-old Fuzile rejoined Njekanye in February last year where he had two fights – a win and a loss – after bolting out of Colin ‘Nomakanjani’ Nathan’s Hot Box Gym in Johannesburg.
Fuzile stopped Briton Martin Ward in Las Vegas, United States, last May and the win propelled him to a world title challenge.
He lost to Japanese boxer Kenichi Ogawa in a vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior-lightweight title fight at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, US, in November.
“One of our resolutions is to move up to lightweight. We remain committed to fulfilling our dream of winning a world title,” Njekanye said.
“Azinga is an international boxer now, whether people like it or not, whether people like Chief or not. Our aim is to make sure that Azinga regains his status and dignity in boxing. We are not going to rest until Azinga wins a world title. Fighting for the world title irrespective of the outcome was a motivation on its own.”
Meanwhile, Fuzile has dismissed rumours that he’s planning to leave Njekanye and return to Johannesburg to rejoin Hot Box.
“I know nothing about that. Chief would have known if I had taken a decision to leave him for another stable,” the former South African featherweight champion remarked.
Njekanye retorted: “That is just wishful thinking. Azinga is going nowhere.”
Nathan said when contacted to comment on the rumour: “I have heard about that rumour. There is nothing I can say.”
