It is now or never for Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni to introduce himself to the lucrative US boxing market when he takes on Mexican Juan Garcia Mendez in a lightweight scrap Omega Products Event Centre in Corona, California this evening (tomorrow SA time).
Since relocating to Johannesburg after curving an impressive boxing niche in Duncan Village, Ndongeni has been hailed as the next big star by his new promoter Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves.
Comparisons with the likes of Welcome Ncita and Dingaan Thobela were made as the unbeaten star made his way up to the world championship level.
His winning of the IBO crown only served to accelerate his ascend to the world title conquest.
But all will come to nought if Ndongeni fails to beat the Mexican in convincing fashion.
“I am ready to prove my mettle in front of the Americans,” Ndongeni said before leaving for the USA two weeks ago.
“America is the biggest stage of boxing and if you fail here then you must as well forget of ever making it big in the game.”
Unbeaten in 21 bouts with 11 stoppages, Ndongeni will be one of several boxers from other countries looking to make an impact in the US boxing market.
Highly touted boxers such as Ukrainian Olympian Taras Shelestyuk, Vitor Jones Freitas of Brazil, Constantin Bejenaru of Moldova will all be looking to impress the US market and earn a contract with giant television networks Showtime and HBO.
Interestingly, the tournament will be beamed live on ShowBox which is the downgraded boxing programme of Showtime.
Several boxers have previously used ShowBox as a launch-pad of their careers to earn lucrative contracts on Showtime and Ndongeni is confident of following suit.
But he will need not to only win but to do so in impressive fashion so that he can stand out from the rest on the bill.
“Nomeva is one of the bright prospects in the bill so he will need to prove that he is also destined for stardom,” said Berman.
The fact that the tournament, co-promoted by Berman’s US ally Art Pelullo, is staged as precursor to the return of Filipino star Manny Pacquiao should serve as a double motivation for Ndongeni to showcase his talent to the big audience.
With many boxing fans in town to watch the Pacquaio fight against Jessie Vargas tomorrow (Sunday SA time), the show in Corona is also expected to be in the spotlight.
Rated second for the WBA title held by Englishman Anthony Crolla, Ndongeni is probably one fight away from getting his shot.
But Mendez, who has one loss in 21 fights with a draw, may upset the applecart if taken lightly.
Coming from a country renowned for producing tough and gritty boxers, Mendez is expected to go down fighting to follow in the footsteps of other Mexican greats who campaigned in the division.
Showdown for Nomeva
Since relocating to Johannesburg after curving an impressive boxing niche in Duncan Village, Ndongeni has been hailed as the next big star by his new promoter Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves.
Comparisons with the likes of Welcome Ncita and Dingaan Thobela were made as the unbeaten star made his way up to the world championship level.
His winning of the IBO crown only served to accelerate his ascend to the world title conquest.
But all will come to nought if Ndongeni fails to beat the Mexican in convincing fashion.
“I am ready to prove my mettle in front of the Americans,” Ndongeni said before leaving for the USA two weeks ago.
“America is the biggest stage of boxing and if you fail here then you must as well forget of ever making it big in the game.”
Unbeaten in 21 bouts with 11 stoppages, Ndongeni will be one of several boxers from other countries looking to make an impact in the US boxing market.
Highly touted boxers such as Ukrainian Olympian Taras Shelestyuk, Vitor Jones Freitas of Brazil, Constantin Bejenaru of Moldova will all be looking to impress the US market and earn a contract with giant television networks Showtime and HBO.
Interestingly, the tournament will be beamed live on ShowBox which is the downgraded boxing programme of Showtime.
Several boxers have previously used ShowBox as a launch-pad of their careers to earn lucrative contracts on Showtime and Ndongeni is confident of following suit.
But he will need not to only win but to do so in impressive fashion so that he can stand out from the rest on the bill.
“Nomeva is one of the bright prospects in the bill so he will need to prove that he is also destined for stardom,” said Berman.
The fact that the tournament, co-promoted by Berman’s US ally Art Pelullo, is staged as precursor to the return of Filipino star Manny Pacquiao should serve as a double motivation for Ndongeni to showcase his talent to the big audience.
With many boxing fans in town to watch the Pacquaio fight against Jessie Vargas tomorrow (Sunday SA time), the show in Corona is also expected to be in the spotlight.
Rated second for the WBA title held by Englishman Anthony Crolla, Ndongeni is probably one fight away from getting his shot.
But Mendez, who has one loss in 21 fights with a draw, may upset the applecart if taken lightly.
Coming from a country renowned for producing tough and gritty boxers, Mendez is expected to go down fighting to follow in the footsteps of other Mexican greats who campaigned in the division.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos