Following the disappointment of being withdrawn from next month’s tournament, which is going to be promoted by Kay B Promotions, because of a licensing issue, Sinovuyo ‘Pink One’ Mthintelwa has moved to Johannesburg.
Formerly trained by Thembani ‘Best’ Gopheni, Mthintelwa, who was due to fight against Siyamthanda Mbali in a rematch at the Guild Theatre in KuGompo City on Sunday, 1 November, is now trained by former South African bantamweight champion, Phumzile ‘Kid Chocolate’ Matyhila.
Unhappy with the loss in April, Mthintelwa’s handlers applied to Boxing South Africa (BSA) for the review of the bout against Mbali. And an independent review by three judges from three different provinces delivered a different outcome saying that the Mthatha-born Mthintelwa should have been declared the winner of the bout.
“Yes, it’s true that I have moved to Johannesburg. I have always wanted to leave the Eastern Cape for Johannesburg,” the former Eastern Cape flyweight champion remarked.
On the licensing issue, Mthintelwa said: “I went to the bank and got the proof of payment, which I have since provided to BSA after my proposed fight against Mbali was affected.”
With him having finally responded to the beckoning bright lights of Johannesburg, Mthintelwa will now be managed by former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) and South African junior-featherweight champion, Ludumo Lamati.
“I will be managing Mthintelwa from now going forward. Mr Kwezi Booi gave me the go ahead to take Mthintelwa’s career forward,” Lamati confirmed.
The 34-year-old Lamati, who is originally from Mdantsane, added: “I have advised Mthintelwa to be careful because there are many distractions here in Johannesburg. I have told him that I was 19 years old when I arrived in Johannesburg and I have been careful since.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
