Celebrated boxing manager ‘Bra Mzi’ Mnguni dies aged 72

Legendary boxing manager Mzi Mnguni, the key figure behind five world champions, died on Saturday morning, his long-time promoter and friend Rodney Berman said.

Mnguni, who was 72, had been in poor health for years after suffering a stroke nearly 10 years ago.

He was also an astute ring strategist who actively coached his boxers at times, though he hired trainers too.

Mzi Mnguni was a colossus who honed and guided the careers of giants of South African boxing, among them Welcome Ncita, Vuyani "The Beast" Bungu and Masibulele "Hawk" Makepula, all great boxers with fantastic, humble temperaments. #RIPMziMnguni you left a huge mark https://t.co/kTbgwtbyjU

— Jermaine Craig (@JermaineCraig07) February 13, 2021

#BOXING | Reports

Sad news coming from East London.

South African boxing icon Mzimasi “Bra Mzi” Mnguni passed away earlier today. #RIPBraMzi | #GritSportsBoxing pic.twitter.com/WZhWuoIUjT

— Grit Sports (at ) (@Grit_Sports) February 13, 2021

It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of the legendary Boxing manager Mzi Mnguni this morning. Our heartfelt condolences go to the Mnguni family and friends and the Boxing fraternity. May Mzi's soul rest in peace. We hope his legacy will be carried forward! https://t.co/NXJvy7HqHB

— TeamSouthAfrica (@TeamSA2020) February 13, 2021

The man behind 10 world champions

Mnguni produced many world champions including Welcome “The Hawk” Ncita‚ Vuyani “The Beast” Bungu‚ Mbulelo “Slayer” Botile‚ Masibulele “Hawk” Makepula and Zolani “Tiger” Petelo at his famed Eyethu Gym in Mdantsane.

He played an instrumental role in the shock victories by Vuyani Bungu, who dethroned Kennedy McKinney for Ncita’s old IBF junior-featherweight title, and Zolani Petelo, who knocked out IBF strawweight king Ratanapol Sor Vorapin in 1997.

He also guided Hawk Makepula to the WBO junior-flyweight title.

Mnguni produced more than 10 greatest world champions from 1990‚ mainly IBF holders.

Bra Mzi was presented two Lifetime Achievement Awards – one by Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula in Durban in 2017‚ and another by Mbalula’s successor‚ Thulas Nxesi‚ at Boardwalk Casino in Port Elizabeth in 2018.