‘Nomeva’ safe and sound amid Las Vegas slaughter
THE management of boxer Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni has assured supporters that he is safe, following the shooting carnage that broke out in Las Vegas this week.
Ndongeni is in Las Vegas where he is training at the Floyd Mayweather gymnasium.
As news broke of the horror incident and dominated headlines, there were concerns about the safety of the KwaBhaca-born Duncan Village-bred boxer.
But Andile Sidinile, who orchestrated Ndongeni’s US trip, said there was nothing to worry about with his charge.
“Yes we were worried about the shooting, also especially as it happened in Las Vegas not far from where Ndongeni is staying,” he said. “But I spoke to him and he is safe, just busy with this training programme.”
Fifty-eight people were killed and close to 400 were injured when a gunman opened fire on a country music concert on Sunday.
The killing spree came on the heels of another gun-related death close to the Mayweather gymnasium as two of its members were involved in a shooting incident.
Baldy “Randall” Smith was shot dead on August 25 by a fellow gym member.
Sidinile has, however, allayed fears that Ndongeni may have involved himself in a dangerous situation by training at the club.
“No, there is absolutely nothing to worry about Nomeva’s safety. He is enjoying himself there.”
Ndongeni is scheduled to fight at the end of the month against an opponent yet to be announced.
Ndongeni, who is unbeaten in 22 bouts, is looking to re-ignite his boxing career, which was blighted by inactivity after joining Johannesburg promoter Rodney Berman and trainer Colin Nathan.
He eventually left them to return home before Sidinile engineered his trip to Las Vegas.