Skeleton told to stop his clowning ways

The camp of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) continental Africa featherweight champion Sydney “Skeleton” Maluleke is working hard to get him to stop clowning around during fights.

This follows the peculiar manner in which he dances around in the ring during bouts, pleasing the audience instead of concentrating on winning.

Last Friday at Wembley Arena, Johannesburg, during his fight against David Rajuili, the 32-year-old Skeleton was in his element. He controlled the fight throughout the rounds, but opted to dance for the crowd instead of finishing his opponent off with a knockout. Maluleke won on points.

Against Macbute “Macman” Sinyabi for the vacant International Boxing Organisation’s featherweight crown at the Orient Theatre in East London in September, Maluleke held the upper hand, but let the dancing bug get the better of him in the ring instead of scoring points to win. This gave Sinyabi ample time to rally and ultimately win the crown.

Maluleke’s trainer, Bernie Pailman, says his charge’s eccentric ring behaviour will soon be a thing of the past.

“We have embarked on a tactical strategy during training to make him concentrate more on the man he is sparring with and not on things outside the ring,” said Pailman.

“This will hopefully psych him up to stop his crowd-pleasing antics and focus on the job at hand – winning.”

Pailman, who has been moulding the fighter’s career for two years, believes that, as a title holder, it is important for Maluleke to show professionalism by respecting his foes.

“I’ve emphasised to him that he will be engaged in a big world-title bout soon and he should take himself more seriously.”

But Skeleton, who derived his nickname from his thin frame, said it would probably take him some time to change his ways.

“Clowning in the ring is in my blood, but I’m working very hard with my team to kick this habit. This might take time, but everything will hopefully be better soon,” said Maluleke.

With a professional record of 17 wins and seven defeats from 24 starts, Skeleton could well be on his way to winning big championship belts if he mends his ways. He is a good puncher who moves well inside the ring.

“We’d like to see him get a few fights before he fights for the IBF crown,” said Pailman.