03-07-2025
IBA can be the launch pad for future South African boxing world champions, says Ndongeni
South African boxer Xolisani Ndongeni throws a left hook against Hovhannes Bachkov at the IBA Pro 7 card at the Rixos Tersane Istanbul on Wednesday night. Picture: IBA
Image: Picture: IBA
Xolisani Ndongeni believes the International Boxing Association (IBA) could be the springboard South African boxers have been yearning for to further their professional careers.
Ndongeni (33-7, 19 KOs) was one of the main attractions at the 7 card at the Rixos Tersane Istanbul where he was called up as a late replacement after former world title challenger Shohjahon Ergashev pulled out injured ahead of the WBA Intercontinental junior welterweight title fight against the big-punching Hovhannes Bachkov.
Despite the 35-year-old, who is known locally as 'Nomeva The Wasp', only having one week to prepare for the fight, he still managed to put up a solid showing against Bachkov by pushing the 2020 Armenian Olympic bronze medalist Bachkov to nine rounds before his corner threw in the towel.
'It is one of those things, you know, that's boxing, that's sport. You win some, you lose some,' Ndongeni exclusively told Independent Media.
'Respect to the champion, he did well, you know. For myself, I pushed, I did well, I have no excuses. I'm not complaining.
South African Xolisani Ndongeni was a big hit at the @iba_pro_boxing card held at the Rixos Tersane Istanbul.
@IOL @IOLsport — Zaahier Adams (@ZaahierAdams) July 3, 2025
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'I saw what happened in the ring. And yeah, I believe that I did good for myself, for this particular time that I had to prepare for the fight. Just one week!
'Yeah, they called me on Monday. They said, next week. 'I'm like, next week?
Okay, at least I have like 14 days.' No, next Wednesday. But you know what, I'm a fighter, I have a fight in me.'
The 7 card followed up a spectacular day with the launch of the IBA 'Golden Era' earlier in the day with former heavyweight champions Tyson Fury and David Haye in attendance along with American multi-weight champion Terrence Crawford.
Ndongeni was elated that he had the chance to step in the ring before such boxing legends and feels that more South African boxers could be granted opportunities under the auspices of the IBA.
'This don't come every time, you know,' he said. 'Being in South Africa sometimes is really difficult. We have a lot of talent, a lot of boxers, a lot of good boxers that can be champions. But opportunities like this, they don't come to many of us.
