By Mark Vester
South African promoter Branco Milenkovic and the new IBF welterweight champion, Isaac Hlatshwayo, claim to have been mistreated during their recent stay in the United States. Hlatshwayo and Branco spoke with SA scribe Elijah Moholola and allege that Joe DeGuardia's Star Boxing refused to cover any of their expenses, a common practice when traveling over to fight on a rival promoter's show.
Branco says that he lost a lot of money last weekend at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, when Isaac Hlatshwayo won a close split decision over Delvin Rodriguez. Branco said that he was forced to shell out the money for their hotels, flights, work permits, food and just about everything else. He claims DeGuardia refused to pitch in but the financial loss was worth it because his fighter is now being scouted for big fights.
“It was an unpleasant experience for all of us. I understand that after winning the bids, Rodriguez’s promoter wanted his fighter to win but there has to be a human element to all promoters. This fight was a huge financial loss, but it was worth it,” Branco said.
Hlatshwayo could be up next for a unification bout with WBC champion Andre Berto or a hometown clash with IBO champion Lovemore Ndou.
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