Ndongeni takes his exploits to US
HEROIC IBO lightweight champion Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni will eventually take his exploits beyond the borders of Africa when he makes his debut in the US later this year.
This after Banner Promotion one of the longest surviving boxing companies in the US – yesterday confirmed signing up the 25-year-old Johannesburgbased boxer from Duncan Village near East London.
“We have added Xolisani in our stable,” said spokesman Marc Abrams yesterday.
His company is owned by promoter Arthur Pelullo, who is based in Philadelphia in the US. The company has delivered over 200 boxing events since its formation in 1988.
Abrams added: “We definitely intend to have Ndongeni in action in October.”
It is unclear if Ndongeni – rated No 2 by the WBA – will defend the IBO belt which he has not defended since winning it in November last year or his debut will be a non-title bout.
Ndongeni’s twoyear deal with Pelullo was facilitated by local promoter Rodney Berman.
Berman and Pelullo previously jointly guided Cassius Baloyi and Thomas Mashaba to greater heights.
Ndongeni remains undefeated after 21 bouts and he said he was excited at the prospect of – boxing beyond the continental borders.
Ndongeni’s trainer Colin Nathan said: “We are all excited and our gratitude goes to Rodney for making this possible. Nomeva is a star in East London and it my job to make him an international star.”
Meanwhile, former two times IBF junior lightweight champion Mzonke “The Rose of Khayelitsha” Fana failed in his bid to add the WBO strap to his collection when he was outpointed by defending lightweight holder Terry Flanagan in Cardiff, Wales, on Saturday night.