The bright lights of Johannesburg beckoned and another Eastern Cape boxer Mhlanganisi Sogcwayi responded by deciding to stay in South Africa’s most populated and richest city.
Initially, Mhlanganisi left his Mdantsane home to go help his younger brother Sanele with sparring sessions before he defeated Namibian opponent Tomas Shifiona last month.
And now with Sanele’s fight a thing of the past, Mhlanganisi has decided to remain in Gauteng where he is trained by Manny Fernandes at the Brian Mitchell Boxing Academy in Edenvale.
However, despite being trained in Gauteng, Mhlanganisi, who is rated number four in the junior-lightweight division, is still managed by Thembelani ‘Shakes’ Hlombe, who is based in KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape.
“I came here after my brother had asked me to come help him with sparring sessions before he fought against Shifiona. After helping him, I then decided to join Manny Fernandes as my new trainer. This was also after I had told my former trainer Me Ncedo Cecane that I would be remaining here,” Mhlanganisi said.
Mhlanganisi added: “I didn’t fight with Mr Cecane before leaving. We are still in good terms. Another thing is that I have not changed the manager, I’m still managed by Mr Hlombe.”
Mhlanganisi, who has a professional record of eight wins with three stoppages and two losses, hasn’t laced his gloves in a competitive bout since he outpointed Lindokuhle Dlamini last December. He, however, has a fight lined up in August. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
