Hunger, determination and a will to succeed are going to be the driving forces when Landile ‘Man Down’ Ngxeke fights in his very first ever world title contest.
Ngxeke will engage in a vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) bantamweight title fight against Mexican boxer José Manuel Salas Reyes in Mexico City on Saturday, 13 December (Sunday, 14 December, South African time).
Sada-born Ngxeke left South Africa for Mexico on Friday evening accompanied by his trainer Colin ‘Nomakanjani’ Nathan and cutman Bernie Pailman. Assistant trainer Shannon Strydom as well as former IBF minimumweight titlist DeeJay Kriel, who is based Las Vegas, United States of America (USA), will join them later.
“There’s nothing much I want to say other than that I’m going to do more than my fans expect from me. They must trust me. Getting into the ring and do the business is nothing new to me. I’m going to bring happiness to their lives. I’m going to win that belt,” Ngxeke remarked.
So hungry for success is the reigning South African bantamweight champion that while he was preparing for this fight he went through 20 rounds of training with 12 of those being at an insane pace and intensity.
“It’s going to be a tough fight, I am well aware. But the way Landie is switched on and focused is something I have rarely seen in a fighter. I truly fancy our chances and think we will cause a big upset in Mexico City,” Nathan said.
“Our game plan is on point and when Landie executes it, South Africa will have a new world champion. Again, I want to thank Larry Wainstein of Boxing 5 for his support.” – Monwabisi Jimlongo
