Johannesburg-based boxing trainer Bernie Pailman has insisted that his absence from his gym is not going to have a negative effect on his boxer Ronald Malindi.
South African bantamweight champion Malindi is preparing for his title defence against Rofhiwa Nemushungwa at the Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, on Friday, 08 July.
His trainer Pailman is leaving for Mexico on Friday where he will assist in Hekkie Budler’s corner during his World Boxing Council (WBC) junior-flyweight elimination bout against Mexican Elwin Soto on Saturday, 25 June.
“My boys know what to do. Ronald is a disciplined boxer. We were ready a few months back, but I was not gonna put myself and my boxer under pressure because the opponent wanted to fight using their date and time. At the end of the day, Ronald is the champion,” Pailman said.
Pailman has revealed that trainers Charrit Mukondeleli and Peter Faver are going to look after his boxers while he’s in Mexico.
“I have two assistants, Peter Faver and Charrit Mukondeleli, who are working with me. Charritt is working with me even though he has his own stable. His boy Thato Bonokoane is also preparing for the same bill. Everything is still on point,” Pailman revealed.
Malindi, who is unbeaten in 18 fights, will be fighting for the first time since he defended his title against Lwandile Sityata in March 2020.