SOUTH AFRICAN BOXER'S GLOVES LIKE HANDS OF STONE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 01 Oct 2008
Former South African featherweight champion Edward Mpofu is being investigated by police for allegedly using plaster of paris on his taping so that they would harden during the fighte.
Despite his supposed "Hands of Stone", Mpofu lost on points to Thanduxolo Dyani during a tournament at East London's Orient Theatre.
The fighter was taken to the police station following allegations that a hardening substance - plaster of paris - may have been found on the tape on his hands after the junior lightweight title fight.
The promoter of the fight Mzi Mnguni had suspected illegal taping when he shook Mpofu's hand after the bout.
Super Sport in South Africa reported that Mnguni suspected something was wrong when he touched Mpofu's gloves. "His glove felt like stone and when I wanted to inspect it his manager told him to run to the dressing room," Mnguni said.
The promoter called on South African boxing officials to investigate allegations that plaster of Paris had been used on the taping.
If the allegations prove to be true, the fighter could be banned from boxing for life.
Mpofu was declared the loser even though unbeaten Cape Town-based Dyani took some hefty blows during their bout. Spectators booed when the result was announced.
Dyani, who had a swollen left eye, said it felt as if he had been hit by a stone.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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