Go big or go home!
That seems to be the message from the USA where the opponent for Xolisani Ndongeni’s American debut has just been announced.
“Nomeva” will fight Venezuela’s Ismael Barroso (19-1-2, 18 KOs) on a Banner Promotions fight card in California on November 4.
Barroso’s last fight was an unsuccessful challenge for Anthony Crolla’s WBA lightweight title. He is rated number seven by the WBA with Ndongeni number two.
The southpaw is no soft touch, having fought successfully throughout North and South America and twice in England, most memorably when he stopped highly regarded Kevin Mitchell in five rounds last year.
As his record suggests, he’s a big puncher, although that won’t faze Ndongeni, who has looked accomplished against a range of fighting styles.
“This is a very good opponent,” said promoter Rodney Berman, whose strong association with American counterpart Art Pelullo led to the fight. “If Nomeva wants to crack the big leagues, and the lightweight division is full of talent, then these are the sort of opponents he needs to get out of there. Barroso comes to fight and Nomeva will have to deal with that. The US market is flooded with outsiders all looking to make their mark. It won’t be enough for him to merely win. He will have to do so with class and in a manner that makes Americans sit up and take notice.”
