Linda Ximba
Former South African junior featherweight Innocent Mantengu has been accused of running away with his trainer’s payment.
According to Boxing SA rules, a boxer must pay the trainer 25% of his winnings.
Mantengu’s trainer Samson Ndlovu was in his corner when he fought Thato Bonokoane in Mpumalanga in April. Mantengu lost the WBA Pan African title on points.
The boxer and his trainer worked together for more than three years and when Mantengu clinched the South African title, Ndlovu was in his corner.
“I am very disappointed in Mantengu,” Ndlovu told Scrolla.Africa.
“I spent many hours preparing him for the fight against Thato but when he got paid, he left me in Johannesburg and headed home to KZN.”
Ndlovu said Mantengu is not answering his calls.
“I am thinking of reporting him to Boxing South Africa,” he said.
Mantengu didn’t deny the accusations but said the trainer would not get a cent from him.
“When I arrived at the gym three weeks before my fight his focus was on Mapule Ngubane who was preparing for a South African title. I signed no agreement with him,” said Mantengu.
Boxing SA KZN manager Mike Dube advised trainers to have a contract with boxers to get the 25% payment.
“In most cases the purse money gets paid to the boxer’s bank account who then pays the trainer or manager separately,” said Dube.
Meanwhile Mantengu said he’s thinking of relocating to Mpumalanga because he has made up his mind he won’t go back to Gauteng.
“I have a teacher’s diploma and I need job security. I have applied in Gauteng without success. Maybe in Mpumalanga I’ll be lucky.”
