Banner Promotions signs world ranked lightweight Xolisani Ndongeni to co-promotional contract with Golden Gloves Promotions

It was nip and tuck all night between Xolisani Ndongeni and Mzonke Fana, with the younger Ndongeni winning a razor-thin majority decision against the veteran former world champion in a scrap for the WBA Pan-African lightweight title – 115-113, 115-113, 114-114. The faster, busier Ndongeni, now unbeaten in 18 fights, just scraped home against the shrewd, sassy Fana. It was like a chess match between two contrasting styles: the unorthodoxy and youth of Ndongeni against the wiles and skills of the proud ex-champion. After an electric start, Ndongeni settled into an easy rhythm, but the trouble was he never quite asserted himself. He was over cautious and boxed within himself, presumably because he gave Fana too much respect. Even at 41 and with his best years behind him, Fana was in marvellous shape and fought with great ambition. Although he threw many punches, Ndongeni’s movement made him a difficult target and he either rode or avoided the many shots that came his way. It was a tremendous win for Ndongeni, his best to date, and he will have learned many important lessons. Perhaps the most significant moment of all came in the minutes after the fight as Fana warmly embraced and joked with his younger rival. It seemed like a symbolic passing of the baton from a proud old warrior to a proud younger one - D-DAY AT THE PALACE was promoted by Golden Gloves Boxing Promotions and was hosted by Emperors Palace, 6 June 2015. — It was nip and tuck all night between Xolisani Ndongeni and Mzonke Fana, with the younger Ndongeni winning a razor-thin majority decision against the veteran former world champion in a scrap for the WBA Pan-African lightweight title – 115-113, 115-113, 114-114. The faster, busier Ndongeni, now unbeaten in 18 fights, just scraped home against the shrewd, sassy Fana. It was like a chess match between two contrasting styles: the unorthodoxy and youth of Ndongeni against the wiles and skills of the proud ex-champion. After an electric start, Ndongeni settled into an easy rhythm, but the trouble was he never quite asserted himself. He was over cautious and boxed within himself, presumably because he gave Fana too much respect. Even at 41 and with his best years behind him, Fana was in marvellous shape and fought with great ambition. Although he threw many punches, Ndongeni’s movement made him a difficult target and he either rode or avoided the many shots that came his way. It was a tremendous win for Ndongeni, his best to date, and he will have learned many important lessons. Perhaps the most significant moment of all came in the minutes after the fight as Fana warmly embraced and joked with his younger rival. It seemed like a symbolic passing of the baton from a proud old warrior to a proud younger one – D-DAY AT THE PALACE was promoted by Golden Gloves Boxing Promotions and was hosted by Emperors Palace, 6 June 2015.

Philadelphia, PA / Johannesburg, South Africa (July 14, 2016)–Golden Gloves Boxing Promotions and Banner Promotions are pleased to announce the signing of world ranked lightweight contender Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni to a co-promotional contract.

The 26 year-old has a perfect mark of 21-0 with 11 knockouts and currently ranked number-2 by the WBA. He is the current IBO Lightweight champion.

Ndongeni is a native of The Duncan Village area of Eastern Cape, South Africa, which produced world champions Vuyani Bungu, Mbuleo Botile and Simphiwe Vetyeka.

Ndongeni began boxing at the age of 17 and competed in 29 amateur bouts.

In just his 10th professional fight, Ndongeni captured the South African Super Featherweight title. He later added the South African Lightweight title.

Ndongeni also captured the WBA Pan African Lightweight title with a win over former world champion Mzonke Fana.

He is now looking for bigger title opportunities and with the new co-promotional agreement, Ndongeni is closer to realizing that goal.

“This is a dream come true,” said Ndongeni. “Every boxer who dreams of the big time dreams of America.”

“Every boxer dreams of making it in America. I have outgrown South Africa, where I have fought and beaten all the contenders. I’m prepared to fight anyone. All I want is the chance. I’m grateful to Banner Promotions for this opportunity. I won’t let them down.”

A member of the Xhosa Tribe, Ndongeni is a local hero, whose fans sing and dance whenever he fights. He even has his own praise song, “Nank uNivema whee Nomeva,” which his supporters sing out during his fights.

“Nomeva” means The Wasp.

He is trained by Colin Nathan, who states, “Everything Xolisani Ndongeni does is against the book, but somehow it works for him. He’s very charismatic and a great guy to work with. I think the United States audience will really warm to him.”

“Xolisani has two things going for him: a hunger to succeed borne from his impoverished upbringing, and his natural fighting ability. He’s very unorthodox, but he somehow makes it work. I’m hoping this venture into the US is the springboard to a great international career in one of the most dynamic weight divisions,”said Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions.

Banner Promotions President, Arthur Pelullo said, “We are excited to get Xolisani in a major fight. It’s always a pleasure to work with my good friend Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves. He always has the best fighters in South Africa, and we feel we have a world champion with Xolisani. We look forward to helping him get the major opportunities that he covets and deserves.”