Golden Gloves Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions are pleased to announce the signing of world-ranked lightweight contender Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni to a co-promotional contract.
The 26-year-old has a perfect mark of 21-0 with 11 knockouts and is currently the IBO lightweight champion and also ranked number two by the WBA.
Ndongeni is a native of Duncan Village in the Eastern Cape, an area that has produced fine world champions like Vuyani Bungu, Mbulelo Botile and Simphiwe Vetyeka.
Ndongeni began boxing at the of 17 and competed in 29 amateur bouts.
In just his 10th professional fight, he captured the South African super-featherweight title. He later added the SA lightweight title.
Ndongeni also captured the WBA Pan African lightweight title with a win over former world champion Mzonke Fana.
He is now looking for bigger title opportunities and with the new co-promotional agreement, Ndongeni is closer to realising that goal.
“This is a dream come true,” said Ndongeni, whose nickname means “wasp” as he, too, carries a sting.
“Every boxer who dreams of the big time dreams of America. I have outgrown South Africa, where I have fought and beaten all the contenders. I’m prepared to fight anyone. All I want is the chance. I’m grateful to Banner Promotions for this opportunity. I won’t let them down.”
Ndongeni is a local hero whose fans sing and dance whenever he fights. He even has his own praise song, “Nank uNivema whee Nomeva,” which his supporters belt out during his fights.
He is trained by Colin Nathan, who states, “Everything Xolisani does is against the book, but somehow it works for him. He’s very charismatic and a great guy to work with. I think the United States audience will really warm to him.”
“Xolisani has two things going for him: a hunger to succeed borne from his impoverished upbringing, and his natural fighting ability. He’s very unorthodox, but he somehow makes it work. I’m hoping this venture into the US is the springboard to a great international career in one of the most dynamic weight divisions,” said Rodney Berman.
Banner Promotions president, Art Pelullo, said, “We are excited to get Xolisani in a major fight. It’s always a pleasure to work with my good friend Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves. He always has the best fighters in South Africa, and we feel we have a world champion with Xolisani. We look forward to helping him get the major opportunities that he covets and deserves.”
