By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Fight promoter Larry Wainstein from Boxing5 Promotions has a very soft spot for Ludumo Lamati as he regards him as his son because of the relationship he has with the Mdantsane-born former world and South African champion.
Lamati is lying in bed at a hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland, following his collapse in his corner shortly after he was was stopped in the 12th round by Briton Nick Ball in a World Boxing Council (WBC) Silver featherweight title fight at the SSE Arena on Saturday evening.
“Ludumo and my family got history. He’s been family to us. He’s not just another boxer. He’s like my son. At this time, it’s a bit hard for me,” Wainstein said.
“We had five people with him over there. We made sure that everybody was there to support him. I was in the corner with the guys when that happened. He walked back to the corner and then collapsed. I take my hat off for the production people and boxing organisation over there. They focused on him. The medical people were there within a minute. The doctors were unbelievable.”
The loss to Ball was the 31-year-old erstwhile SA and International Boxing Organisation (IBO) junior-featherweight champion’s first career defeat as he dropped to 21 wins, a loss and draw.
“Ludumo wants to learn about the business of promoting boxing. Three months ago he launched his own training gym. It’s his business. He wants to help other boxers. That’s the type of person Ludumo is. He’s very intelligent,” Wainstein concluded.
