Pundits can say what they will, but ‘Nomeva’ unfazed

Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni returned to the ring last Friday to beat Namibian Abraham Ndauendapo on points in Pretoria.

Those who were ringside to the fight were not overly pleased with his performance. But bottom line is that Ndongeni can now call himself a two-time world champion after picking the WBF having ruled as the IBO before. We sat down with him to get his feelings about the fight.

BOXING MECCA: How does it sound to be called a two-time world champion?

XOLISANI NDONGENI: It has a nice ring to it and regardless of what people say, I will go down in history as one of the SA boxers to win two world titles.

BM: Some people who watched the fight feel you were lucky to win.

XN: Those who have that opinion either do not know boxing or they need sunglasses to see properly.

BM: But how did the fight go Nomeva?

XN: The fight went well because it involved two very fit boxers who were prepared to go to extreme heights in order to leave the ring winners. I think it was a good fight for the spectators.

BM: Did this Namibian surprise you with anything?

XN: Yes, his resilience and busy style surprised me. His awkwardness also took me off my stride but I adjusted.

BM: So you feel that those who question your win have no point?

XN: I can understand them in that they expected fireworks from the Nomeva they know. It was like my fight against Mzonke Fana when everyone expected me to knock him out but when it did not happen, people said Fana won. It happens sometimes when due to being disappointed people would over-compensate an opponent.

BM: In a scale of 10 how would you rate yourself?

XN: I would give myself seven out of 10.

BM: That means there is a lot you need to work on.

XN: Plenty. I still have a lot of work to do to return to my sharpness but with activity I will return there.

BM: Now you are campaigning in a lightweight division that is teeming with talent so activity should not be a problem.

XN: Yes, I see that everyone wants to fight in this division and I welcome them all. Let’s make the fights now.

BM: You say that after Simpiwe Vetyeka knocked out your stablemate and sparring partner Thompson Mokwana. Were you surprised by that outcome?

XN: Not really because I know Vetyeka is a skilful boxer but I did not expect him to knock out Mokwana. Mokwana was very fit going to that fight and he was super-confident.

BM: I am sure you have heard the reports that Vetyeka’s promoter wants you to face him in July.

XN: To be honest with you, I expected that even before our fights. Firstly I did not know that Vetyeka has a promoter. But to answer your question I do not fear any boxer regardless of who he is so if Vetyeka wants it he can get.

BM: As easy as that?

XN: Yes as easy as that. But we will have to be paid well for that fight.

BM: Now that is a first sign of a boxer who does not want the fight. With good money I can also take Mike Tyson at his prime.

XN: Not like that but my fight with Vetyeka would generate a lot of interest and a lot of money so it is only fair that we should be paid properly. Also I think the fight would have a major world title at stake because it would be big.

BM: Other than these Vetyeka rumours, what else is cooking in your camp?

XN: I may fight in New York in June. WBF president Howard Goldberg said an American promoter is interested to give me a fight there around June.

BM: That is great Meva and congratulations again.