By Linda Ximba
Two South African boxers got the better of their international opponents at the ESPN Africa Boxing 23 tournament at Durban’s Sun Coast Casino on Thursday night.
Former world champion Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni put on a scintillating performance in knocking out Apinun Khongsong from Thailand in the seventh round of their International Junior Welterweight bout.
Ndongeni was technically very good in this main bout of the show on the night and stuck to a plan in order to earn the 31st win of his career. He worked his jab superbly, both to the body and to the head of his opponent, peppering the midriff more often than not.
This led to Khongsong dropping his guard, and Ndongeni took full advantage in the fourth round, when a right hand sent the man from Thailand to the deck. Khongsong answered the count but was lucky to escape the round.
Ndongeni persisted with his plan and in the sixth round Khongsong was on the canvas twice after some superb combinations from the South African, the overhand right doing the damage on both occasions. Speaking after the fight, Ndongeni said he was ready to slug it out with the big guns.
“Our plan went perfectly. I hope this win will pave the way for me as I look to bounce back with a major world title next year,” said the Eastern Cape boxer.
Meanwhile, in the co-main event, South Africa’s Ludumo Lamati (21-0-1) swept aside Mark Anthony Geraldo from the Philippines in round four of their International Featherweight match.
His record now stands at 21 victories and a draw while his opponent dropped to 12 defeats in 38 bouts and has registered two draws.
Speaking after the fight, Lamati promised some big things for next year: “It feels really great to win. There is no me without the team. Watch this space! 2023 watch this space!”
In another bout Mduduzi Mzimela was crowned the new KZN Junior Featherweight king by outpointing Sanele Maduna via a split decision over 10 exciting rounds.
Pictured above: Xolisani Ndongeni
Image source: @TheRing
