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 and 2010, and held the South African super featherweight title between 2004–2006 and in 2014.

Ali Funeka
Born	(1978-03-28) 28 March 1978 (age 47) Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Other names	Rush Hour
Statistics
Weight(s)	Super-featherweight Lightweight Light-welterweight Welterweight
Height	1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
Reach	183 cm (72 in)
Stance	Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights	54
Wins	40
Wins by KO	32
Losses	11
Draws	3

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

54 fights	40 wins	11 losses
By knockout	32	3
By decision	8	8
Draws	3

No.	Result	Record	Opponent	Method	Round, time	Date	Location	Notes
54	Loss	40–11–3	Abass Baraou	TKO	5 (10), 2:52	May 4, 2019	Fraport Arena, Frankfurt, Hessen, Germany
53	Win	40–10–3	Uyanda Nogogo	TKO	6 (8)	Mar 17, 2019	Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape
52	Loss	39–10–3	Gor Yeritsyan	UD	8	Jul 28, 2018	Galaktika Culture Centre, Estosadok, Russia
51	Loss	39–9–3	Islam Dumanov	UD	8	Apr 20, 2018	Pabellon Municipal, Sedavi, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain
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 lightweight title
41	Win	34–4–3	Mzolisi Yoyo	KO	4 (12)	May 31, 2014	Orient Theatre, East London, Eastern Cape	Won South African super lightweight 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