Thembelani ‘Shakes’ Hlombe has dismissed rumours that former South African junior-flyweight champion Nhlanhla ‘Mount Kilimanjaro’ Tyirha has bolted out of Paradise Boxing Club.
It’s been rumoured that Tyirha has left Hlombe’s gym following the departure of his former trainer Khangelani Jack for Rock Solid Boxing and Fitness Gym in Benoni, Ekurhuleni.
“He’s still with us, he’s my boxer and is training with us. The rumours are spread by people who want to destabilise our gym and wish to see Tyirha leaving us,” Hlombe, who is the manager at Paradise Boxing Club, said.
Tyirha, who is now trained by former world champion Simphiwe ‘V12’ Vetyeka, returned to training after he suffered a shock sixth round stoppage loss to George Kandulo at the East London International Convention Centre (ICC) two months ago.
The Malawian was a late replacement following Filipino boxer Lito Dante’s failure to travel to South Africa for a fight against Tyirha.