Fuzile not given up on world title

Fuzile, who was a spectator at the TLB boxing tournament at the SABC Renaissance Centre, will turn 27 in July, but is adamant he still has time on his side. Fuzile had a chance to win the IBF junior-lightweight title in 2021, but fell to Japanese boxer Kenichi Ogawa on points at Madison Square Garden. Fuzile's top priority is a world title.

"I won't retire in boxing without being a world champion, and defending a world title many times, then after that, I will retire from boxing. There are people who have won world titles in their 30s, so I'm still young for me to say I can't fulfil my dreams." - he told SABC Sport. 

Despite his talent, Fuzile is not rated in the top 15 by a number of leading boxing-sanctioning bodies due to a switch from junior lightweight to lightweight last year, as well as inactivity. The Duncan Village boxer believes it is critical for him to get another major bout.

“I'm the one who's gonna prove everyone right or wrong, whatever they think about me. I can still make it, and I can do it better than I did last year.”

Fuzile’s main concern is he hasn't fought since July of last year, when he stopped Malawian boxer Romeo Makwakwa with a TKO in round three in a non-title bout. He was due to fight in December, but the controversial tournament organized by J4Joy was cancelled. Fuzile, one of the most outstanding local boxers today hopes to fight within the next two months, despite the ring rust.

"I don't know when exactly, but I will fight, maybe in June or July. As I get older, I need to be active because my reflex are not going to be same as before, especially when I'm not fighting.” 

Fuzile, who also had a hard time outside the ring with a few reported incidents, is currently without a promoter. His long-term relationship with Rumble Africa is up in the air, making it difficult for him to plan his next steps.