Fans fear Ndongeni may not be up to it

EAST London fans are wringing their hands in apprehension over the upcoming IBO lightweight showdown between Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni and Jasper “Jazzman” Seroka.

That is because Seroka is a battle-hardened veteran while Ndongeni is very much in the formative years of his career.

Promoter Andile Sidinile had announced two weeks ago that Ndongeni was due to oppose a Mexican journeyman Pablo Sanchez on November 28.

The general idea was that Sanchez posed no threat to Ndongeni. But the change of opponent by Sidinile to Seroka for the vacant IBO belt at East London’s Selborne Park Tennis Stadium has down some fans’ spines.

While the match-up is not a mismatch, the fear is that the 34-year-old Seroka – the current SA lightweight holder – could overwhelm the current WBA Pan-African champion with experience.

But this could be a fallacy because Ndongeni, the former SA and WBF International junior-lightweight holder, is equally competent.

His 19 wins from as many bouts mean he is relatively inexperienced, compared to Seroka’s 24 wins from 30 bouts. But Ndongeni has shown great potential, defeating top names including vastly experienced

brought

chills former IBF champion Mzonke Fana.

Ndongeni will enjoy massive support even though he is trained in Gauteng by Colin Nathan.

Seroka, who is based in Gauteng under Manny Fernandes, returns to the province where he beat local boxer Xolani Mcotheli for the vacant SA title last year. That is also where Seroka registered his first defence after outpointing Koos Sibiya in August.

Nathan said: “Jasper is the puzzle that Ndongeni must figure out. I expect a tough fight but there is no doubt that Ndongeni’s hands will be raised in victory.”

The main attraction of the tournament dubbed “Fistic Festive” is the WBA International featherweight championship between holder Simpiwe “V12” Vetyeka and Colombian Rodolfo Puente.