Former Champ Bungu Convinced Ali Will “Take Out” Cambell

February 14th, 2009

By Scoop Malinowski

Former IBF Junior Featherweight champ Vuyanu Bungu is here in Florida as part of the Ali Funeka entourage. Bungu was a dominant champion in his weight class over a decade ago, also trains with and advises Funeka. Bungu is absolutely 100% convinced his man will upset Campbell.

“I’m gonna tell you right now, he’s gonna kick Nate’s ass, man. I’m a former champion. I know. I defended my title 13 times and left the 122 (class). I left it nobody beat me. And I’m telling you right now, this boy’s gonna beat Nate Campbell.”

Bungu looked in my eye and smiled a knowing smile, it was so convincing, it was almost more than knowing. It was like Bungu has seen the future.

Why are you so sure, I asked Bungu. “Because I train him. And I know exactly Nate Campbell. Nate can be arrogant and all that. We knew that. We knew that. But in the ring it’s gonna be him and Nate Campbell.”

I pressed more. What are Ali’s strengths that match up well with Campbell? “I’m telling you,” Bungu insisted with 100% vehemence. “In and out. In and out. He’s gonna beat him in and out.”

Bungu is so certain that I decided to ask him if it could even be as easy win for Funeka? “He’s gonna take Nate Campbell out. He’s gonna take him out. You know, this boy’s gonna take Nate Campbell out, believe me. I’m telling you. This boy is young, he’s strong, he’s down to earth. He’s gonna take him out. I’m telling you. This boy – I know exactly what it takes to be a champion. And this boy is gonna upset the world.”

One more question. One more test for Mr. Bungu. Boxing in America for the first time for Funeka, could this throw him off his game? “I fought Danny Romero in Atlantic City, I fought in Mississippi. It’s (Funeka’s) first time. It’s been a long road. He’s been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. I’m telling you, he’s not going to miss this title. He’s gonna take this title home, baby.”

Bungu was almost smiling and celebrating as he finished his comments. The man simply has not a shred of doubt Ali Funeka will be the World Lightweight champion of the world on Saturday night.

While Ali Funeka carries himself with a gentle almost regal manner, standing so tall at six-foot, one inch, wearing a green Puma t-shirt under his light nylon jacket, you look at him and know you are looking at something special under those Dolce Gabbana shades and ballcap. I guarantee Funeka vs. Campbell is going to be an exciting contest tomorrow night, televised by HBO. Vuyanu Bungu’s total and utter belief in Funeka was one of the most convincing displays I’ve ever encountered in the sport. We’ll see how it plays out on Saturday.