Former SA junior-lightweight champion Jasper Seroka has stepped in to face Xolisani Ndongeni at Emperors Palace next month.
This follows a scramble for a suitable local opponent after a number turned down the opportunity. “Nomeva” hasn’t fought since November and this is a keep-busy fight ahead of a return trip to the US later in the year.
Seroka has long mixed at the elite level locally, fighting the like of Malcolm Klassen, Mzonke Fana and Sipho Taliwe. Interestingly, he has also fought Ndongeni before, losing via contentious TKO in 2015.
“Jasper has been around the block and is always fit and strong,” reckoned Colin Nathan, trainer of Ndongeni. “What’s important is shaking off the ring rust after a succession of disappointments. All Nomeva wants to do is fight.”
Also confirmed is a title defence for SA welterweight champion Thulani Mbenge, who fights Mzoxolo Ndwayana. The mandatory challenger from the Eastern Cape will be having his second crack at the SA title, having lost against Tsiko Mulovhedzi. He has since rebounded with three wins.
It will be Mbenge’s first defence since winning the title in convincing fashion against Shaun Ness.
There is also expected to be action for cruiserweight prospects Chris Thompson and Rowan Campbell.
