US boxer lauds ‘tough’ Nomeva
US boxing prospect Devin Haney has described Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni as the toughest opponent he has faced in his short professional career.
The 20-year-old boxer was reacting to his dominant points-decision win over Ndongeni in Shreveport, US on Saturday.
Pitting unbeaten fighters against each, Haney and Ndongeni went the distance, even though the KwaBhaca-born, East London-raised boxer was down in the second round, courtesy of a right hand which caught him off balance.
The 28-year-old Ndongeni entered the fight as a huge underdog with some cricics even predicting a knockout loss for him.
But he fought gallantly and refused to be overwhelmed by his fellow unbeaten opponent.
In chasing for a knockout, Haney even switched his offence to the body to try to weaken Ndongeni, but the strategy did not work as he hung on in the face of fire in the later rounds.
“He was my toughest opponent and there is a reason he was unbeaten in 25 bouts coming into the fight,” Haney said after the bout.
“We expected him to be tough and he proved it.”
Rated in lofty spots by all the major world bodies, Haney said he is now expected to challenge for a world title. “I think I have transitioned from a prospect to a contender now. I need to challenge for a world title.”
The WBO Intercontinental and WBC International lightweight titles were at stake to give the winner a shot at either belt.
Ndongeni, who could not be reached for comment as he was on a flight back home, was quoted on social media as saying he lost to a good fighter.
“No shame in losing to a fighter like Haney, but I believe I did my best and acquitted myself well.”
The loss was the first for the boxer raised in Duncan Village, in 26 bouts.
However, he received rave reviews from his fans for going the distance against a boxer widely tipped to follow in Floyd Mayweather’s footsteps.
A torrent of messages on social media congratulated Ndongeni for his great stand and refusal to be knocked out by the youthful prospect.
“We are proud of what Ndongeni did for SA boxing despite the loss,” some messages read.
East London promoter Andile Sidinile, who facilitated for Ndongeni to go and train in the US in 2018, also lauded the boxer.
“I could not understand why he fought on the back foot allowing Haney to control the pace,” Sidinile said. “He did well in round seven when he used his jab and attacked the body. But he lost to a better fighter. He needs to come back stronger and wiser.”
From the day Ndongeni agreed to the fight, the odds were heavily stacked against him. Not only was Haney expected to win, but the fight was also promoted by him, making Ndongeni’s chances of winning next to nothing. The fight was also shown on ShoBox, a platform only afforded to boxers with big credentials.
Ndongeni holds the minor WBF world title, but it is yet to be decided if he will still be recognised as the title-holder after this loss although the title was not at stake.