Ali Funeka

Ali Mziyanda Funeka (born 28 March 1978) is a South African professional boxer. He held the IBO welterweight world title from 2014 to 2015, previously challenged three times for a lightweight world title between 2009–2010, and held the South African super featherweight title between 2004–2006 and in 2014.

Ali Funeka
Statistics
Nickname(s)Rush Hour
Weight(s)
Height1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Reach183 cm (72 in)
NationalitySouth African
Born (1978-03-28) 28 March 1978
Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights54
Wins40
Wins by KO31
Losses11
Draws3

Professional career

Funeka turned pro in 1995 at the 112 pound weight class. After moving up in weight and fighting mostly journeymen, he stepped up in class to challenge Mzonke Fana for the South African super featherweight title in 2002. Although he knocked Fana down in the 1st, Funeka lost a decision. After winning several regional titles, Funeka rose to fame with an upset knockout win over Zahir Raheem in an IBF Lightweight Title Eliminator in 2008.

The following year he would lose to champion Nate Campbell.

Later in 2009, he challenged Joan Guzmán for the vacant IBF lightweight world title but the fight was ruled a draw, although many felt Funeka had won.

In 2010, Funeka fought Guzman for the same vacant title of their previous encounter. Because Guzman was 9 pounds above the lightweight limit, the title became only on line for Funeka. During the fight, the South African experienced a knockdown as well as being outpointed by Guzman who prevailed by majority decision. In the post-fight drug test, Funeka tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, a diuretic banned by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC).[1] To salvage him, Funeka's manager said the diuretic taken was given by a doctor who told them that it was not a banned substance.[2] Nevertheless, the NSAC sentenced Funeka to a 9-month suspension as well making him pay a fine of $35,000. Funeka also had to return the bonus money he earned from Guzman's "overweight" penalty.[3]

On 19 November 2011, Funeka defeated Zolani Marali by split decision to capture the vacant WBF light-welterweight title in Johannesburg. The two met in a rematch the following year, on 8 December 2012, where Marali defeated Funeka by unanimous decision to win the WBF title.

On 15 November 2014, Funeka defeated Russian-German boxer Roman Belaev in a controversial technical decision for the vacant IBO welterweight world title. The fight was stopped due to a cut above Belaev's right eye, with the judges scoring the bout 104-105, 104-105 and 109-100 in favor of Funeka.[4][5][6]

On 10 December 2015, Funeka faced Australian Jeff Horn for the WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title in Auckland, New Zealand. He lost by technical knockout in the sixth round. The bout was a title eliminator for WBO world title held by Manny Pacquiao.

Professional boxing record
Professional record summary
50 fights 39 wins 8 losses
By knockout 31 2
By decision 8 6
Draws 3
No. Result Record Opponent Method Round, time Date Location Notes
50 Loss 39–8–3 Karen Chukhadzhyan UD 8 Dec 16, 2017 Ice Palace "Terminal", Brovary, Ukraine
49 Loss 39–7–3 Samuel Vargas MD 10 Aug 19, 2017 Powerade Centre, Brampton, Ontario For WBA–NABA Welterweight Title
48 Loss 39–6–3 Jeff Horn TKO 6 (10), 0:30 Dec 10, 2016 Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand For WBO Inter-Continental welterweight title
47 Win 39–5–3 Justice Addy TKO 3 (12) Jul 24, 2016 Queenstown, Eastern Cape Won vacant WBO Africa Welterweight Title
46 Win 38–5–3 Viskhan Murzabekov SD 12 Mar 5, 2016 Colosseum Sport Hall, Grozny, Russia
45 Win 37–5–3 Gideon Agbosu TKO 4 (12) Dec 18, 2015 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Won WBO Africa Welterweight Title
44 Loss 36–5–3 Tsiko Mulovhedzi TKO 5 (12) Jul 24, 2015 International Convention Centre, East London, Eastern Cape Lost IBO Welterweight Title
43 Win 36–4–3 Roman Belaev TD 11 (12) Nov 15, 2014 Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng Won vacant IBO Welterweight Title
42 Win 35–4–3 Botishepo Mandawe TKO 8 (12), 1:10 Sep 21, 2014 Mdantsane Indoor Centre, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape Retained South African Super Featherweight Title
41 Win 34–4–3 Mzolisi Yoyo KO 4 (12) May 31, 2014 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Won South African Super Featherweight Title
40 Win 33–4–3 Jason Bedeman KO 1 (8) Sep 30, 2013 Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng
39 Win 32–4–3 Vusi Dladla KO 1 (8) Jul 6, 2013 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape
38 Loss 31–4–3 Zolani Marali UD 12 Dec 8, 2012 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Lost WBF Super Lightweight Title
37 Win 31–3–3 Zolani Marali SD 12 Nov 19, 2011 Monte Casino, Johannesburg, Gauteng Won vacant WBF Super Lightweight Title
36 Loss 30–3–3 Joan Guzmán SD 12 Mar 27, 2010 Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Paradise, Nevada For vacant IBF Lightweight Title
35 Draw 30–2–3 Joan Guzmán MD 12 Nov 28, 2009 Pepsi Coliseum, Quebec City For vacant IBF Lightweight Title
34 Loss 30–2–2 Nate Campbell MD 12 Feb 14, 2009 BankAtlantic Center, Sunrise, Florida For WBA (Super), IBF, and WBO Lightweight Titles
33 Win 30–1–2 Zahir Raheem KO 4 (12) Jul 5, 2008 Jan Smuts Stadium, East London, Eastern Cape
32 Win 29–1–2 JR Sollano TKO 4 (12), 2:25 Sep 23, 2007 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Retained WBC International Lightweight Title
31 Win 28–1–2 Yakubu Amidu MD 12 Apr 1, 2007 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Retained WBC International Lightweight Title
30 Win 27–1–2 Anthony Tshehla KO 4 (12), 1:01 Oct 7, 2006 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Retained WBC International Lightweight Title
29 Win 26–1–2 Patrick Masango TKO 5 (12), 2:46 Jul 22, 2006 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Retained South African Super Featherweight Title
28 Win 25–1–2 Dexter Delada KO 2 (12), 2:19 May 27, 2006 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Won vacant WBC International Lightweight Title
27 Win 24–1–2 Themba Tshicila RTD 7 (12), 0:10 Dec 17, 2005 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Retained South African Super Featherweight Title
26 Win 23–1–2 Gabriel Phakula RTD 8 (12), 0:10 Aug 27, 2005 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Retained South African Super Featherweight Title
25 Win 22–1–2 Danile Botman TKO 2 (12), 2:35 Apr 30, 2005 Mdantsane Indoor Centre, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape Retained South African Super Featherweight Title
24 Win 21–1–2 Zukile Khandisa KO 1 (12), 0:54 Oct 23, 2004 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Retained South African Super Featherweight Title
23 Win 20–1–2 Elvis Makama TKO 5 (12), 0:45 Jul 31, 2004 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Retained South African Super Featherweight Title
22 Win 19–1–2 Gabriel Phakula SD 12 Feb 21, 2004 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape Won South African Super Featherweight Title
21 Win 18–1–2 Vumile Mangqase KO 1 (6) Aug 2, 2013 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape
20 Win 17–1–2 Sello Hanong TKO 3 (6) Jul 11, 2003 Carnival City, Brakpan, Gauteng
19 Win 16–1–2 Dumisane Mofu TKO 4 (8) Apr 5, 2003 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape
18 Win 15–1–2 Xola Ntengento TKO 5 (8) Dec 14, 2002 Mdantsane Indoor Centre, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
17 Loss 14–1–2 Mzonke Fana MD 12 Jul 12, 2002 Oliver Thambo Hall, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa For South African Super Featherweight Title
16 Win 14–0–2 Mncedisi Kholiwe TKO 1 (6) Oct 28, 2001 Mdantsane Indoor Centre, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
15 Win 13–0–2 Luntu Giana TKO 5 (–) May 27, 2001 Mdantsane Indoor Centre, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
14 Win 12–0–2 Wiseman Yonana TKO 1 (6) Feb 25, 2001 Mdantsane Indoor Centre, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
13 Win 11–0–2 Siyathemba Xaka KO 3 (6) Oct 15, 2000 Mdantsane Indoor Centre, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
12 Win 10–0–2 Mzwanele Sam PTS 6 May 14, 2000 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape
11 Win 9–0–2 Xolani Jacobs TKO 6 (6) Oct 17, 1999 Centenary Hall, New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape
10 Win 8–0–2 Edward Mpofu PTS 8 Aug 25, 1999 Graceland Hotel Casino, Secunda, Mpumalanga
9 Win 7–0–2 Phumlani Menziwa TKO 1 (8) Aug 15, 1999 Gompo Hall, East London, Eastern Cape
8 Win 6–0–2 Xolile Mchiza KO 1 (6) Jul 10, 1999 Needs Camp, East London, Eastern Cape
7 Win 5–0–2 Thembinkosi Makwedinana KO 1 (4) Apr 18, 1999 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape
6 Win 4–0–2 Phapama Danisa KO 2 (6) Mar 27, 1999 Mdantsane, Eastern Cape
5 Win 3–0–2 Vulindela Mlenzana KO 6 (6) Aug 30, 1998 Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape
4 Win 2–0–2 Vuyani Jobo TKO 2 (6) Jun 1, 1997 Gompo Hall, East London, Eastern Cape
3 Draw 1–0–2 Nkosinathi Ndela PTS 4 Apr 27, 1997 Gompo Hall, East London, Eastern Cape
2 Win 1–0–1 Anele Mqoboli PTS 4 Oct 21, 1995 East London, Eastern Cape
1 Draw 0–0–1 Simphiwe Xabendlini PTS 4 Sep 24, 1995 Mdantsane Indoor Centre, Mdantsane, Eastern Cape Professional debut
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References
  1. Ryan Burton (April 11, 2010). "Ali Funeka Fails Post-Fight Drug Test For Guzman Bout". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 13 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-11.
  2. Mark Vester (April 13, 2010). "Ali Funeka's Manager Responds To Post-Fight Test Result". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 17 April 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
  3. Lem Satterfield (June 9, 2010). "Ali Funeka Fined and Suspended For Positive Drug Test". BoxingScene.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2010. Retrieved 2010-06-09.
  4. "Oosthuizen Stops Grachev For WBC Belt, Funeka Wins". BoxingScene.com. 15 November 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  5. "Gauteng, South Africa". AsianBoxing.info. 15 November 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2014.
  6. "Roman Belaev, Dominic Boesel Return; Imre Szello Update". BoxingScene.com. 22 January 2016. Retrieved 18 April 2017.
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