Flyweight title contender Bokang Masunyane (5-0) reached out to Graeme Cartmell, EFC VP of talent, last week saying that he had injured himself in training ahead of his scheduled title fight against Nkazimulo Zulu (8-2) at EFC 71 at Carnival City on June 23 (tomorrow).
Only able to get to a doctor to check out his injured knee on Tuesday morning, Masunyane sent word to Cartmell with the news that he wished to withdraw from next Saturday’s fight.
On hearing the news regarding the injury, Cartmell contacted several athletes to see if they would be willing to step-up and take the late notice title fight against champion Zulu.
England’s Coner Hignett (6-3), undefeated Gary Joshua (4-0), reigning bantamweight champ JP Buys (5-2), former title contender Sylvester Chipfumbu (4-1) and Marino Cutendana (5-3) were all offered the opportunity but, due to the short notice and other reasons, they all turned down the fight.
“Zulu has got to be EFC’s pound-for-pound king of administering pain,” said Cartmell.
“He has some of the most dangerous strikings in the world and almost no one is willing to face him when they have eight weeks to train for him, let alone a few days.”
With the most rightful contenders out as options, Cartmell went on the hunt for a contender who is in camp already, an EFC flyweight who hasn’t necessarily scratched a host of wins next to his name, but taken each fight with a confident rampage and left an indelible mark on the rightful contenders’ careers.
Also read: Heavyweight super-fight confirmed for EFC 71
A pure test for Zulu in every area, from his BJJ prowess to his forward fighting boxing, an athlete who is willing to bring the fight of his life to a feared champ.
From far west enters the only man to accept the formidable challenge, Brazil’s Magno Alves.
“Magno is the guy.
“He’s just one of those fighters you know regardless of the circumstances, will arrive in great shape and will put on a legitimate fight,” said Cartmell.
“He took the Bokang fight on short notice and took him the distance, unwavering throughout.
“Every time he has stepped into the hexagon, he has put on a show and has left viewers stunned for more.
When reached for comment, Zulu simply stated, “They are all running scared of me. I’ll kick-off all their heads.”
The other big fight of the night sees Andrew van Zyl and Champion Dalcha clash in a heavyweight humdinger.
Main card bouts:
• Andrew van Zyl vs Dalcha Lungiambula
• Nkazimulo Zulu vs Magno Alves
• Steven Goncalves vs Luthando Biko
• Cedric Doyle vs Trezegeut Kanyinda
• Pietie Coxen vs Conrad Seabi
Preliminary bouts:
• Anicet Kanyinda vs Sindile Manengela
• Billy Oosthuizen vs Jasen van der Merwe
• TC Khusu vs Warren King
• Marcel Els vs Rocky Ilunga
• Mark Kamba vs Elvis Ngwalangwala
• Fafa Dwama vs Asiashu Tshitamba
• Mutuale Basambamba vs Hein Pavier
For more information, visit efcworldwide.com
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