After stopping Thai boxer Apinun Khongsong in the seventh round on Thursday evening, Xolisani ‘Nomeva’ Ndongeni said that that was what he planned together with his trainer Mzamo ‘Chief’ Njekanye.
KwaBhaca-born Ndongeni dropped Khongsong four times – once in the fourth round, twice in the sixth and also once in the seventh – to win the bout with a stoppage at The Globe, Sun Coast Casino, in Durban.
“We have worked. Chief planned it. Everyday I was tired, he kept on pushing me,” the former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) lightweight champion said.
Despite winning the fight, Ndongeni admitted that Khongsong, who is based in Bangkok, was a tough opponent. Khongsong’s last 13 fights have ended in stoppages with him winning 10 of those and losing thrice.
“I was happy because the guy was very strong. He’s very tough. I want to give respect to him, he’s a tough opponent. He missed me with big punches. I was being careful all the time,” the former SA junior-lightweight and lightweight champion said.
“I’m happy for the win, it means a lot to me. I have proven that I can box when I have to. I can fight when I have to. I’m a full package.”
