Fight-starved Boxer of the Year Xolisani "Nomeva" Ndongeni has bolted the Hotbox stable of trainer Colin Nathan. He has joined the growing Durandt Gym of Damien Durandt in Linksfield, Johannesburg.

Ndongeni had been with Nathan since March 2015. He teamed up with him after parting ways with Mzamo "Chief" Njekanye who guided the boxer to winning the SA and WBF International, SA and IBO International lightweight titles and the Premier Boxing League (PBL).

Together they chalked up 17 wins. Ndongeni, 27, said: "Yes, I have joined Damien."

He last fought in the US in November last year, something which persuaded him to seek a move.

"I am not getting fights and my career is being stagnated, so I had to think [for] my future."

Most of Nathan's boxers are promoted by Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves. Berman staged the WBA Pan African championship which Ndongeni won on points against Mzonke Fana at Emperors Palace in June two years ago.

Ndongeni - who remains undefeated after 22 bouts - described himself as a freelancer who is willing to work with any promoter. The boxer is the fourth to bolt the stable of Nathan in one month.

The others are Rodriquez brothers Frank and Fernando, and Ricky Tshabalala.

Durandt is the first born son of successful late trainer and manager Nick "Mthakathi" Durandt who died in a motorbike accident in the Free State in April.

Said Durandt: "Nomeva is an established fighter and is more than ready to tackle international fights and become a world champion in a major world body."

Reacting to the departure, Nathan said: "It is just one of those things. I have nothing bad to say about Nomeva. I love him so much. I wish him the best in life."