Johannesburg – Former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight champion Vuyani “The Beast” Bungu says he vividly remembers his titanic battle against the late Lehlohonolo “Hands of Stone” Ledwaba that took him to one of his many world titles.
The then Mzansi’s featherweight kingpins gave it their all during the World Boxing Union (WBU) championship clash at the famous Emperors Palace in 2002.
Bungu, who holds the record of defending his IBF crown 13 times, remembers the contest against Ledwaba like it happened yesterday.
Although Bungu lost on points against his friend, his top-drawer performance propelled him to a world title. Paying tribute to Ledwaba and reminiscing about that fight, the East London-based boxing legend said athough old age was catching up with him, he put up one of his best performances against the younger Ledwaba.
The two fighters started their friendship when Ledwaba was challenging for the vacant IBF belt against John Michael Johnson, where Bungu was invited as a guest.
He described Ledwaba as a gentleman in and out of the ring.
“He was a humble person and true ambassador of the sport. Unlike other boxing legends who are doing other stuff after their boxing careers had ended, he remained involved in the sport he loves, training, mentoring and sharing his knowledge with youngsters.
“On that night, I gave it my best shot although I could feel my reflexes were no longer up to it because of age. No one expected me to go the distance with the youngster Ledwaba, including bro Mzi [the late Mzimasi Mnguni],” said Bungu.
“Everyone was shocked by my performance, Ledwaba was in his prime while my boxing career was over the hill.
“However, shortly after the defeat, I was given another opportunity to fight for the IBO title with Takalani Ndlovu, and I won.”
Before their WBU championship clash, both pugilists were coming from defeats, with Ledwaba having surrendered his IBF crown to Manny Pacquiao and Bungu had been dethroned by Naseem Hamed.
According to Bungu, after their fight, the two men remained good friends.
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