Q & A with Mzonke Fana Recently Mzonke “The Rose of Khayelitsha” Fana 30-4(12) won the IBF Super Featherweight title for a second time when he beat countryman and former nemesis Cassius Baloyi. It was a rematch from 2008 when Baloyi won, this time Fana got off to a better start and won convincingly. Over the past few years the South African quartet of Fana, Baloyi & Malcolm Klassen have all taken turns in holding the IBF title. With the win over Baloyi, Fana hopes that he can fight Klassen and repeat his previous victory in what would be a big fight in South Africa. At 37 Fana is a 16 year veteran at 130 and is considered the number 1 Super Featherweight by many including The Ring magazine & Boxrec. Here’s what Fana had to say when 15rounds.com recently spoke to him. Hello Mzonke, welcome to 15rounds.com Thank you! Nice to talk to your reputable website for the first time! Anson Wainwright – Congratulations on your recent win over Cassius Baloyi for the vacant IBF Super Featherweight title. What can you tell us about that fight? How happy were you with your performance? Mzonke Fana – I was very happy about my performance. This was the second time I fought Cassius. In our first fight two years ago, somehow I started “too late” and give away first 5 rounds. On the end, I lost my IBF title on majority decision. I could not afford the same again, so I started putting pressure from the opening bell and maintain it in all 12 rounds. Cassius is great fighter. He had many fights in USA and he never lost. It is great for me to be two times IBF World Champion. Anson Wainwright – What does the future hold for you? When can we expect to see you back in action next? Who may you be fighting? Mzonke Fana – Well, I’m no very young and at age of 37 I need two, three big fights in order to make same money. I will be waiting on my Promoter, and possibly end of the year I should be making the first defence. Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your team who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Mzonke Fana – My manager is Butityi Konki and trainers Vuyani Bungu and Gert Strydom. You should remember Bungu. He defended his IBF Jnr. Featherweight Title 13 times and against some very big names at that point and time. Of course, my promoter is Mr. Branco Milenkovic. I have been with Mr. Branco for the past 10 years. Anson Wainwright – There is a rivalry between yourself and Baloyi and more recently Malcolm Klassen. What can you tell us about this rivalry? Are you all good friends or not? Mzonke Fana – Yes, we are all good friends but this is business. I would like to fight Klassen again, whom I already have beaten for the IBF World Title. It is big local match and as he has beaten Cassius as well, this fight does make sense. Anson Wainwright – Can you tell us about your early years and how life first took you into Boxing? Mzonke Fana – You are going to laugh. After I was given very bad split decision against my “homeboy” Mkhuseli Kondile for the National Title in 1997, I was so disappointed and I left the boxing for almost two years. I went to play soccer for Cape Town Ajax, and I never wanted to go back to boxing – I was very good soccer player!! Anson Wainwright – What do you like to do away from Boxing? What are your hobbies? What can you tell us about yourself that we wouldn’t know? Mzonke Fana – I like soccer very much and music but as a professional fighter, most of the time I spend is something what have to do with boxing. Anson Wainwright – You’ve been a pro for 16 years, what is your proudest moment and why? Mzonke Fana – I receive the most prestigious award – The State President Award for Sport Excellence, and this was my proudest moment. Of course, I was voted two times as a Boxer of the Year as well, and my fight against Randy Suico for WBC Mandatory eliminator was voted fight of the year. Anson Wainwright – How popular are you in South Africa? Do you do commercials and appear on tv? The Football World Cup takes place in June what are your thoughts on that? Mzonke Fana – I’m popular as I been around for very long time. I do charity TV commercials by making awareness of HIV for young people. HIV has been major problem in Africa. Anson Wainwright – You fought Marco Antonio Barrera, though it didn’t go well for you can you tell us about the experience of fighting a legend & being in America? Mzonke Fana – Yes, with out doubt was very big experience to fight legendary Barrera. I thought I could do better, but Barrera is Barrera. Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the Super Featherweight division at the moment? WBC Vitali Tajbert, WBA Takashi Uchiyama & WBO Ricky Burns? Mzonke Fana – I would love to fight any unification with any of those three. Maybe Vitali Tajbert would be option. I will talk to Branco about. Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for your fans? Mzonke Fana – Keep punching and keep reading 15rounds.com!!! Anson Wainwright – Thanks for your time “The Rose of Khayelitsha” Mzonke Fana – The rose is blooming!!!! Anson Wainwright 15rounds.com.