Zinman and Feldman Make Weight

Doron Zinman and Joshua Feldman made weight ahead of their separate bouts tomorrow at The Box Camp, formerly known as Booysens Box Camp, in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Feldman's opponent Joseph Senga comfortably made junior middleweight, but Zinman's opponent Nhlakanipho Phungula came in over the featherweight limit.

Zinman (1-0) weighed 125.55 pounds, which is right about where he was for his pro debut in November. Phungula, nicknamed "The Grand Maestro," couldn't orchestrate a proper weight cut for his pro debut and came in at 127.76 pounds, over a pound a half more than the 126-pound limit. After his weight was announced, the taller Phungula apologized to the Buzzsaw, saying, "Sorry about that," as he extended his hand. Zinman was gracious and accepted the apology.

Generally speaking, an opponent missing weight is very frustrating for boxers. Both fighters sign a contract and are expected to honor the deal, which states they must make weight. Cutting weight is extremely difficult. "It feels like you might die," former boxer turned promoter Dmitriy Salita once told The Jewish Boxing Blog. It's unfair for only side to have to do it. There's also a reason why boxing is divided into weight classes; a discrepancy in weight can be an advantage for the heavier boxer if their skill levels are even enough.

As part of Zinman's training, he sparred with "a ton of great guys," including world champion Phumelele Cafu, quality veteran Sikho Nqothole, prospect Tumelo Mphalele, and Sinenkosi Mlotshwa who is also on the card. "It was a phenomenal camp," Zinman told The JBB. "I'm ready to perform tomorrow."

Feldman (5-0, 3 KOs), who like Zinman is a 20 year old from Cape Town, weighed 153.55 pounds. He is a pillar of consistency and professionalism when it comes to his weight. This is Josh's seventh pro weigh-in as one fight was canceled at the last moment. He's always made the 154-pound limit, and his weight has always been within a pound and a quarter. Senga (2-2, 2 KOs) came in at 149.7 pounds, which is right about where he has been for his four fights. He told SA Boxing Talk that he is straddling the welterweight and junior middleweight divisions, which is consistent with his weight.

Despite a two-fight losing streak and a 16-month layoff, Senga is confident. Of Feldman, he said, "He's a good boxer, but it's my time." Feldman is ready, too. His main sparring partner was a familiar face, Creed Moyo, who's fighting soon as well. "We had fantastic sparring this camp!" Feldman told The JBB.

After the weigh-in, Feldman replenished his body with fruit and cereal. Zinman ate fruit and pasta after downing rehydration drinks.

Zinman's fight is scheduled for four rounds while Feldman's is slated for six. The event will be streamed on DAZN and Vision View tv. 

To view the weigh-in, watch SA Boxing Talk's coverage. The JBB's preview of the Zinman fight is here and of the Feldman fight is here.