Fana's "Fantastic" Voyage

By Chris Cozzone

“It makes me very, very happy to be an underdog,” says WBC #1 Contender Mzonke “Fantastic” Fana (22-2, 8 KOs).

“I fight much better as an underdog.”

For, both, Fana’s sake, and for fight fans shelling out 40 clams to watch Saturday night’s HBO pay-per-view event or for those spending $30 to $100 to see it live at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso, Texas, the unknown “Rose of Khaleyelitsha” will, hopefully, bloom and not wilt under the proven might of Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera (59-4, 41 KOs).

On paper, it’s unlikely, for this is Fana’s first match against a big name fighter.

It’s also his first world title bout (for Barrera’s WBC Super Feather belt), not to mention his first fight on American soil—and just his second out of his home country of South Africa.

The term ‘underdog’ may be an understatement.

But stranger things have happened in boxing.

German Felix Sturm was a nobody in America until he came close to upsetting Oscar De La Hoya last summer in Vegas. And Manny Pacquiao, too, was a no-name until he started bombing out champions in the States.

 “Just because the American public doesn’t know a fighter, it doesn’t mean he’s not going to surprise you,” said De La Hoya, who is promoting the card.

“Fana has prepared himself for the fight of his life, like Pacquiao did when he fought Barrera, and like Felix Sturm did against me. This is going to be a hell of a fight.”

De La Hoya expects 100,000 buys on pay-per-view and a sellout crowd of 12,500 at the Don Haskins Center.

“I know I’m fighting a Mexican legend,” says Fana. “I know he’s one of the greatest boxers in the world. But I think I am one of the best in the world, too, and Saturday night, I will prove it. We’ll see who’s best.”

In his last outing, a title elimination bout for the #1 spot, Fana fought his toughest fight yet, against previously undefeated Randy Suico (21-1, 17 KOs). Fana was down twice during their war, but managed to outbox Suico for a split decision win.

“I showed my heart in that fight,” says Fana.

Fana says his quickness and style will give Barrera difficulty.

“If Barrrera wants to fight, I can fight. If he wants to box, I will box—and I will outbox him.

“I’m coming with speed—and punching power behind.”

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