Returning fighters to make a fist of it in their backyard

Some local boxers have discovered to their detriment that the perceived greener pastures in Johannesburg are actually barren.

Hot Duncan Village prospect, Nhlanhla “24” Ngamntwini, is the latest East London boxer who has found life very tough in the City of Gold, forcing him to return home with his proverbial tail behind his legs.

Ngamntwini dropped a bombshell when he left his Sinakho boxing club in Duncan Village to join HotBox gymnasium owned by Colin Nathan in Johannesburg.

His departure followed that of his homeboy Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni’s well-publicised defection to Nathan’s camp.

While Ndongeni has finally managed to get action in Johannesburg, thanks to his promotional contract with powerhouse Golden Gloves Promotion, Ngamntwini has not been so lucky.

The 22-year-old whose popularity since his amateur days has transferred to the professional ranks, is still considered a future champion even after his disappointing knockout defeat by Simpiwe Konkco in his lone loss in 13 bouts.

Unearthed by veteran boxing guru Mzi Mnguni, Ngamntwini, known as “24” was destined for stardom when he tore through opposition with impunity.

But when Mnguni became ill, after suffering a heart attack, Ngamntwini’s career went pear-shaped becoming one of the boxers hardest-hit by Mnguni’s ailment.

That showed in his loss to Konkco when he allegedly took the fight despite suffering from an illness.

After a handful of appearances under Sijuta Promotions, when he moved up to the flyweight division, Ngamntwini finally packed up and left for Johannesburg.

But he did not get a single fight in the City of Gold, forcing him to adopt the biblical “Prodigal Son” scenario by returning to his club of origin.

Sinakho boxing club owner, Ben Mtyaliseko, who together with Mnguni plucked him from obscurity, confirmed that Ngamntwini was back.

“When “24” came back we had no problem to welcome him because he is our own prodigal son.”

Mtyaliseko said Ngamntwini was one of several boxers who have since returned to the club.

Others are the Siyo brothers-Siyabonga and Luzuko – who also left the club to train under other trainers.

Siyabonga was under the tutelage of former world champion, Welcome Ncita, when he lost his last bout against Hekkie Budler in Johannesburg in October.

In his previous fight against Konkco he had veteran trainer Boy Boy Mpulampula in his corner.

Siyabonga whose losses to Budler and Konkco were in the mini-flyweight division will now compete in the flyweight weight class.

Luzuko whose last bout was a stoppage victory over Sonwabo Twatwa, is also back with Mtyaliseko, who is his father.

Mtyaliseko could not say if the trio had signed contracts with local promoters.

But with so many promoters able to organise tournaments, the boxers will not be short of action.

This was confirmed by the activity enjoyed by Buffalo City-based boxers compared to their peers in other regions.

The region again tops the number of tournaments organised in the land, thus dispelling the notion that relocating to Gauteng presents more opportunities for boxers.

Even Ndongeni has fought in the region more than anywhere else, despite relocating to Gauteng where he had only one bout.