By Monwabisi Jimlongo
Johannesburg-based boxing trainer Vusi Mtolo is relaxed and is not panicking as he has already figured out a strategy he will use to make sure that Khanyile Bulana returns home with glory after fighting against Italian boxer Michael Magnesi in a world title fight this coming Friday.
Bulana is going to challenge International Boxing Organisation (IBO) junior-lightweight champion Magnesi at Palazzetto Valle Martella Zagarolo in Lazio, Italy, in a bout, which pits two unbeaten boxers against each other. Bulana has won all his 12 fights while Magnesi is yet to draw or lose in 18 bouts.
The Scenery Park boxer together with Mtolo and assistant trainer Johan Truter are leaving for Italy on Monday. Mtolo gets the chance to be at Bulana’s corner in the absence of Colin Nathan, who is going to usher current International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion Moruti ‘Babyface’ Mthalane into war when he defends his belt against Sunny Edwards in London, United Kingdom, on Friday, 30 April.
“We have had good preparations for this fight. Bulana is fit and positive about his chances. It’s great that we had smooth preparations, no injuries encountered,” Mtolo said.
“The good thing is that Bulana knows that chances to fight for a world title don’t come easy. He also knows that this is a great opportunity for him that’s why he wants to make sure he wins in Italy. He’s got a positive mind and is gonna show people what he can do.”
Meanwhile, Mtolo has reiterated that they have no problem in travelling to Italy less than a week before the fight.
“We see nothing wrong in finalising our preparations here at home. Sometimes you get distracted when you arrive early in a foreign country,” Mtolo said.
