East Africa's Ali: Boxers could learn from "natural marketer" Mandonga

Tanzania's big-talking Karim Mandonga may not be as good a boxer as he portrays himself before entering the ring but what's certain is that through his loud mouth, he has injected more life and vigour into the hitherto sleepy professional boxing scene in East Africa.

Tanzania's Karim 'Mtu Kazi' Mandonga.

Mandonga has also taught pro boxers in the region an important lesson on marketing themselves and hyping up their fights almost the same way the late celebrated Muhammad Ali did throughout his professional boxing career. Born and bred in Louisville, Kentucky, Ali was idolised as the greatest sporting figure of the 20th century with the sharpest tongue that coined catchy quotes. That's how he got the nickname "Louisville Lip".