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Johannesburg - Having been to hell and back of late, Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni hopes his first fight in South Africa in 15 months will not worsen his woes.
Ndongeni will meet an opponent yet to be named at Emperors Palace on July 23 over 10 rounds in a lightweight match.
Fell through
This comes after his scheduled nontitle bout against Ghanaian Razak Nettey, billed for Coetzenburg Stadium in Stellenbosch on May 28, was cancelled at the last minute because Lizani Events promoter Mzoli Tempi could not come up with the purse money.
The Duncan Village-born boxer, who is still owed R1 million by promoter Dicksy Ngqula after he won the Premier Boxing League in East London in 2015, was supposed to take on Emmanuel Tagoe, also from Ghana, in Accra on August 11 for the International Boxing Organisation lightweight title, but the fight fell through.
Now Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman has secured a bout at home to put an end to Ndongeni’s hardship.
Nomeva said he hoped the match would go smoothly and not spoil things further for him.
“The date of the fight is nearing and I’m hoping that the name of my opponent will be disclosed shortly,” said Ndongeni.
“Fighting in front of my home fans after a long time will obviously be a nice feeling,” he said.
“I’ve been disappointed enough before and wouldn’t like to go through another harrowing experience once again. I hope to find out who my opponent is soon.
Enthusiastic crowd
Nomeva said he had been keeping in shape for the fight at the Hot Box Gym in Glenhazel in Johannesburg.
“It’s going to be a great fight considering the fact that I will be returning to Emperors Palace two years after beating Mzonke Fana there by majority decision for the World Boxing Association Pan African title,” said Ndongeni.
He said the atmosphere at Emperors Palace was electric, and added that it would be great to win before an enthusiastic crowd.
Ndongeni’s bout will be on the undercard of the World Boxing Council international minimum weight title fight between South African DeeJay Kriel and Dexter Alimento from the Philippines.
