Rapper Big Zulu has ruefully complained that he was duped R1 million in his highly-publicised boxing fight against businessman and exhibition boxer Phumlani Njilo.
What Happened On The Day?
Big Zulu, whose real name is Siyabonga Nene, fought Njilo at the Durban Olive Convention Centre on 9 December 2023. Hlula Dladla Boxing Promotions promoted the brawl, while Boxing South Africa sanctioned it.
An exhibition boxer, Njilo was buoyant of a victory, stating he was faster and had more stamina than Big Zulu. He predicted that Big Zulu would falter in the fourth round.
Njilo, coming into the fight with four years of boxing experience translating to seven fights, winning six and one loss, defeated Big Zulu.
The rapper still has emotional scars from the fight, which bruised his ego.
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Big Zulu Was Duped Of R1 Million After Phumlani Njilo Boxing Match
The buff musician went to retired rapper Zingah’s podcast and discussed a wide range of issues. The two also discussed the boxing fight, and Big Zulu dropped a bombshell.
He revealed that he was duped of R1 million, which the promoter had promised him just for showing up. Four months on, he still holds on to dust and a defeat.
“First of all, I did not get a cent from that fight. A lot of things happened in the background that troubled me that day. They did not give me a single cent. They gave [Njilo] belts, and he even met Mayors, yet I did not get a cent from that fight.”
Big Zulu added that Hlula Dladla Boxing Promotions promised him a hefty R1 million just for entering the ring. It made him drool, and he agreed to fight Njilo. He benefited nothing from it.
Cassper Nyovest made celebrity boxing fights prominent after his bout with YouTuber Slick Talk in December 2022. He followed it up with brawls against NaaqMusiQ and Priddy Ugly last year.