In one of the most exciting WBF fights seen in decades, in November 2012, Ali “Rush Hour” Funeka, 31-3-3 (25), won a controversial split decision over former two times world champion Zolani “Invincible” Marali, 21-5 (13) to win the vacant World Boxing Federation World Light Welterweight crown.
The former WBF and IBO world champion Marali was astounded when ringannouncer Michael Buffer awarded the split decision to Funeka, and vowed to get even demanding a rematch.
Funeka admitted that he had been rusty and was far from his best, but has promised to punish Marali when the two meet on Siphato Handi’s Mamali Promotions show at the Orient Theatre in East London, South Africa on 8 December.
Both Funeka and Marali are world class competitors, and the winner will be mandated to defend against the WBF interim champion Antonio Lozada, 29-1 (25), of Mexico.
WBF President Howard Goldberg will be the supervisor in charge, and the officials are: Referee Darryl Ribbink, and judges: Siphiwe Mbini, Lulama Mtya and Andile Matika.
