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Former World Champion and boxing hall of famer, Brian Mitchell, previews the ‘Thrilla in Manila’ 50th Anniversary fight card and offers insight into the state of South African Boxing.
These days, the former WBA and linear junior lightweight champion of the world lends his expertise as a commentator, trainer, and fighter manager. One of the fighters Mitchell has taken under his wing is the fighting pride of Mdantsane, Siyakholwa Kuse.
After his gutsy victory over Filipino Samuel Salva just a few months ago, Kuse has earned his shot at the WBC strawweight world title and will face the current champion, Melvin Jerusalem, in the Philippines on October 29.
The legendary Manny Pacquiao is promoting the event, which serves as a tribute to the iconic trilogy fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in 1975.
This is what Brian Mitchell had to say about the fight.
“The magnitude of the upcoming ‘Thrilla in Manila’ event is massive. As Kuse’s trainer and manager, I’ll be going over with him to be in his corner, together with his chief coach, Manny Fernandes.
“It is always tough fighting away from home, but I think Siya Kuse is definitely going to win. We are going to the opponent's backyard, so we need to fight well in order to convince the judges if it goes to a decision.”
Mitchell himself conquered his opponents on foreign soil and knows exactly what it’s going to take for Kuse to bring the belt back to South Africa.
As Siyakholwa Kuse braces for a date with destiny, Mitchell also explains what goes into managing a fighter like Kuse.
“Once you take on a fighter, you become a father to them in a lot of ways. You offer financial guidance, and you advise them on how to train, what to eat, and everything in between.
“Fortunately, I’ve been there and got the T-shirt, so I think I can tell guys what they should and shouldn’t eat, how to train, and how to become a World Champion.”
Apart from Kuse, South Africa is blessed with an array of talent throughout the different weight divisions, and Brian Mitchell is especially excited about a select few.
“We are very fortunate in South Africa because there is world-class talent coming through. Boxing is right up there again.
“They talk about the good old days in the 80s, but these are the good days. We’ve got the two Malajika brothers, Beaven Sibanda, Siya Kuse, Ndabezinhle Phiri, Roarke Knapp, and the list goes on.”
The 18-year-old Ethan Peters is another emerging prospect who will be making his pro debut on November 29 in a highly anticipated Golden Gloves Event at Emperors Palace.
Mitchell believes Ethan Peters has all the attributes to be a devastating heavyweight at the pro level.
“Ethan Peters is a potential superstar. He is the undefeated South African super-heavyweight champion at amateur level, and he has had ten fights, nine of which he finished by KO.
“He is a big man, six feet six inches tall, and he possesses everything you want from a heavyweight boxer.”
There is no doubt that exciting times lie ahead for South African boxing fans, and there are a few major local and international events to look forward to. Starting with the ‘Destiny’s Decree’ fight night on October 4 at Emperor’s Palace.
