It’s becoming increasingly clear that Xolisani ‘Nomeva’ Ndongeni might not fight in South Africa anymore as he is already in the United States of America (USA) for yet another bout just more than two months after he was stopped in the eighth round by unbeaten American boxer Arnold Barboza Junior.
The erstwhile International Boxing Organisation (IBO) lightweight titlist, who clashes with another unbeaten American boxer Raymond ‘Danger’ Muratalla at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Friday, 29 March (Saturday, 30 March, South African time), has revealed that he will continue to fight abroad.
Ndongeni’s last two fights took place overseas – losses to Barboza Jr in Las Vegas in January thie year and Ernesto Mercado in Managua last July.
“I arrived here on Tuesday. I am getting good opportunities in the USA in the meantime. I just need to use my brain and grab the one that will change my life for the better. I believe that if I win this one, there will be more US fights coming my way,” Ndongeni said.
The former South African junior-lightweight and lightweight champion added: “Therefore, the chances of me fighting in South Africa are slim because I am almost signing out of the sport. I need better and good opportunities as much as I can.”
After losing to Barboza Jr, the 33-year-old KwaBhaca-born Ndongeni remained behind in the US, training in Miami while his trainer Mzamo ‘Chief’ Njekanye returned to S outh Africa. And even now Njekanye is still in South Africa while Ndongeni is already in the US.