Gauteng boxing trainer Damian Durandt has completed a remarkable coup‚ signing former IBO lightweight champion Xolisani 'Nomeva" Ndongeni to his stable.
The 2016 Boxing SA boxer of the year's signature is one of the most prized in the local fraternity and he had been widely expected to team up with Rocky Waintein‚ a close friend of the late Nick "Mthakathi" Durandt.
But Ndongeni surprised many when he joined Durandt's son Damian‚ who first registered as his father's assistant at the age of 14.
The 25-year-old Damian said he plans to take Ndongeni's career to a higher plane.
"My doors are wide open to work with Nomeva‚" he said on Thursday.
"I believe I have a lot to offer him (Ndongeni) in the gym.
"Nomeva has been dealt some hard cards in boxing and I believe he deserves the best to come in the future.
"He is an asset to boxing in South Africa and I believe I have a lot to offer him in my gym.
"He will benefit from it."
Ndongeni had been with trainer Colin Nathan since March 2015 but left when he could not get any fights.
He last fought on November 2016 and became restless when Nathan could not secure him further action.
Ndongeni confirmed on Thursday that he has indeed joined the younger Durandt.
"Yes I have joined Damien‚" he said.
"I was not getting action and the last time I fought was in November last year.
"I am not getting any younger and I am 27 years old now.
"I have to look after my son.
"I explained my situation to Colin and he said he fully understands my frustration. He wished me well."
Ndongeni and Nathan won five fights‚ including capturing both the WBA Pan African and IBO lightweight belts against ring veterans Mzonke "The Rose of Khayelitsha" Fana and Jasper "Jazzman" Seroka respectively.
Those with good memories will remember that Ndongeni started out as a rugby player but Mzamo "Chief" Njekanye successfully converted him into a boxer.
Njekanye guided Ndongeni to the SA and WBF International junior lightweight‚ SA and IBO International lightweight titles in 17 wins between 2010 and 2015.
They parted ways in 2015 after Ndongeni‚ from Duncan Village in the Eastern Cape‚ had won the Premier Boxing League of Dicksy Ngqula.
Ngqula still owes Ndongeni and is yet to pay his prize money of R1-million.
Ndongeni is undefeated after 22 fights. - TimesLIVE
Damian Durandt completes the signing of Xolisani 'Nomeva' Ndongeni to his stable
Gauteng boxing trainer Damian Durandt has completed a remarkable coup‚ signing former IBO lightweight champion Xolisani 'Nomeva" Ndongeni to his stable.
The 2016 Boxing SA boxer of the year's signature is one of the most prized in the local fraternity and he had been widely expected to team up with Rocky Waintein‚ a close friend of the late Nick "Mthakathi" Durandt.
But Ndongeni surprised many when he joined Durandt's son Damian‚ who first registered as his father's assistant at the age of 14.
The 25-year-old Damian said he plans to take Ndongeni's career to a higher plane.
"My doors are wide open to work with Nomeva‚" he said on Thursday.
"I believe I have a lot to offer him (Ndongeni) in the gym.
"Nomeva has been dealt some hard cards in boxing and I believe he deserves the best to come in the future.
"He is an asset to boxing in South Africa and I believe I have a lot to offer him in my gym.
"He will benefit from it."
Ndongeni had been with trainer Colin Nathan since March 2015 but left when he could not get any fights.
He last fought on November 2016 and became restless when Nathan could not secure him further action.
Ndongeni confirmed on Thursday that he has indeed joined the younger Durandt.
"Yes I have joined Damien‚" he said.
"I was not getting action and the last time I fought was in November last year.
"I am not getting any younger and I am 27 years old now.
"I have to look after my son.
"I explained my situation to Colin and he said he fully understands my frustration. He wished me well."
Ndongeni and Nathan won five fights‚ including capturing both the WBA Pan African and IBO lightweight belts against ring veterans Mzonke "The Rose of Khayelitsha" Fana and Jasper "Jazzman" Seroka respectively.
Those with good memories will remember that Ndongeni started out as a rugby player but Mzamo "Chief" Njekanye successfully converted him into a boxer.
Njekanye guided Ndongeni to the SA and WBF International junior lightweight‚ SA and IBO International lightweight titles in 17 wins between 2010 and 2015.
They parted ways in 2015 after Ndongeni‚ from Duncan Village in the Eastern Cape‚ had won the Premier Boxing League of Dicksy Ngqula.
Ngqula still owes Ndongeni and is yet to pay his prize money of R1-million.
Ndongeni is undefeated after 22 fights. - TimesLIVE
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