Vuyani Bungu speaks about his fight with Naseem , Tito-Hopkins and more...

By Ike Enwereuzor
Jacboxing@hotmail.com

28.09.01 - The irrepressible former world champion Vuyani "the Beast" Bungu of East London, South Africa (36-3) 19KO's is currently in United States not to fight but to help prepare fellow South African fighter and former IBF Mini flyweight Zolani Petelo for his upcoming fight against undefeated IBF jr flyweight champion Ricardo Lopez on September 29, on the Trinidad-Hopkins, at Madison Square Garden, New York City.

Bungu, Petelo and Trainer Mzi Mnguni arrived in New York days before the World Trade Center terror attack to complete their preparation for Sept. 29. They were all safe only that the September 15 fight date was moved to September 29 now. Petelo will challenge unbeaten world champion Ricardo Lopez

Bungu, who began his professional boxing career April 26, 1987 KOed Xolela Makhuluma in round four to make a successful debut. He suffered his first pro loss to Fransie Badenhorst two years later on Aug 28, 1989, the former world champ avenge the loss May 1990 for the South African title with 12 round decision.

His relentless aggression captured him the IBF jr featherweight belt Aug 20, 1994 over Kennedy McKinney with a 12 round decision and beat him again in a rematch April 1997. The former junior featherweight champ successfully defended his title 13 times before he vacated the title to face former WBO featherweight Boss Prince Naseem Hamed. His battle with Hamed March 11, 2000 was his dream fight but lost by fouth round KO.

Bungu speaks about his fight with Naseem Hamed, his career, retirement and more.......

Hello Champ! How are you doing these days?
I'm helping Zolani Petelo prepare for his fight with Ricardo Lopez for September 29, at the Garden. Zolani's ready to go, we're going to surprise the world this saturday. We're doing great thank you!

What's your thought on Ledwaba's last fight, where he fought Flipino Manny?
That fight surprised me. I thought he was going to beat that guy. I guess he may have been frustrated and quit.

When are we going to see you in the ring again?
I'm finished with it. Now, I have to teach the younger fighters what nobody gave me as a professional. I've love for the sports.

What kind of amateur record did you have?
108-20. It's amazing because I only fought in South Africa then but look at how far I went in the world.

How did you get your ring name "the Beast"?
It was on my pro debut in the middle of the rounds Mthuthuzeli screamed "the beast" get him. It got stick to me after that.

How do South Africans see you?
I know they all respect and love me. They still call me champ today.

Is there anything you want to accomplish that you didn't as a fighter?
I'm a remodel to a lot. Now, I want to help other up and coming fighters to reach their goal. I'll give them experience from what I learn in this game.

Your impression of Ingle-Botile bout?
Botile was very hungry, you can see it even from the way he prepared for that fight. He trained for about 3-4 months as they kept changing the dates. Botile was in top condition once the fight was made.

Your thoughts on Botile's last fight with Telodo?
I think he won the fight but it wasn't Botile that I know. It seemed like something was disturbing him. I can see that the guy he fought was a bum. I never got to ask Botile about this fight.

What can you tell us about the Ricardo Lopez-Zolani Petelo bout coming September 29, at Madison Square Garden, NYC?
It's going to be an exciting night and like I said we're going to surprise the world. You'll see a different Petelo on that day. Petelo is young, a solid fighter and sleek.

How long have you been working with Petelo?
We've been working together for about 2 months now. Petelo will be a new world champ come saturday. I think fans should checkout this fight on September 29, be there at the Garden or watch it on TV. It maybe KO or may go to distance but I'm afraid the judges may give it to him if it goes to distance.

Your prediction on Trinidad-Hopkins fight?
Look both guys, they both worriors but Trinidad has a damaging left hook. Hopkins has a big chance to win but it's difficult to say. I have been following Trinidad since he beat Maurice Blocker, he's a great fighter. Look at what happened to Fernado Vargas. Hard call!

What can you tell us about your fight with Prince Naseem Hamed?
It was the fight of my life. I hurt me to loss it, I thought I was going to knock him out but he caught him first. On that night in my dressing room, I was saying to myself this is the fight of my life, I'll have to take Hamed out or he'll have to take me
out. I got caught with his good shot that cause the damage. Remember nobody has never knock me out before that fight. I defended my title 13 times from 1994-99. I never was dropped. He caught me with a lucky punch. Well, I can't wait to see Mbuelo Botile fight him next.

What will you tell people who thinks you were scared on that fight with Hamed?
I wasn't scared. Why would I be scared of a fellow human being. They forgot I defended my title 13 times and I guess March 11, 200 wasn't for me. I knew what was going through my mind to knock him out or get knocked out.

Could you please compare your two fights with Kennedy McKinney?
First fight he wasn't serious then second time he meant business but I was fully prepared for him and I beat him twice How are your kids doing (Thandeka and Vuyo)?
They are all doing fine. Sometimes, my daughter Thandeka, 10 years old wants me to get back in the ring but I tell her I have to take care of her. She don't understand.