Is it a David v Goliath duel?

EAST London fans are wringing their hands in apprehension over the upcoming IBO lightweight showdown between Xolisani Ndongeni and Jasper Seroka on November 28.

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 Pablo Sanchez – a Mexican journeyman who has not won anything significant since 2006.

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 Selborne Park Tennis Stadium has brought chills down some fans ’ spines.

While the match-up is not a mismatch, the fear is that the 34year-old Seroka – the current SA lightweight title 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-name boxers, including vastly experienced former IBF champion Mzonke Fana.

Ndongeni will be involved in his sixth 12-rounder – half to what Seroka has fought. This could work in Ndongeni ’ s favour because the implications is that he is fresh.

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