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IOL News
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Ndongeni stands tall in Istanbul despite short-notice defeat
Armenia's Hovhannes Bachkov receives the IBA International Super Lightweight title after defeating South Africa's Xolisani Ndongeni in Istanbul, Türkiye. Bachkov also successfully defended his WBA Continental title. Photo: IBA Image: IBA South Africa's fighting veteran, Xolisani Ndongeni, is a contented man who will not look back at his IBA Pro 7 fight with any regrets. The 40-fight professional was called upon as a late replacement for Uzbek athlete Shohjahon Ergashev in a WBA Intercontinental junior welterweight title fight against Armenia's Hovhannes Bachkov at a prestigious International Boxing Association event in Istanbul, Türkiye. The two-day event, which featured a handful of global superstars and was billed as the 'unveiling of IBA's bold new vision and the ushering in of boxing's Golden Era', included the likes of Tyson Fury, Terence Crawford, and many others. There, in front of icons of the sport, Mzansi's veteran pushed his opponent — a 2020 Summer Olympics bronze medallist — for nine rounds before losing via TKO after his corner threw in the towel. It was an impressive feat considering that Ndongeni (33-7) only learnt of the fight a few days before the showpiece. 'The fight was good. Firstly, congratulations to Hovhannes (8-0) — he is a good boy, a good fighter,' said Ndongeni. 'You know, this fight was meant for me. I faced many challenges before it. Before I got news of the bout, I had the flu for a week, which impacted my training, as I stayed away from the gym for some time. "Then I got a call from IBA saying there is a fight next week, and I thought, 'next week Saturday', as most fights are on Saturdays. Then I found out it was on a Wednesday. "I asked, 'Who am I fighting?' "They showed me the guy, and I said, 'Cool, let's go'.' Video Player is loading. 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Bachkov is one of the fastest-rising stars in the world and is set to make a name for himself on the professional scene following a decorated amateur career. 'He is good, but you know, I've been around. I fought the likes of Devin Haney and Arnold Barboza Jr — I've faced good guys. 'The reason I took this fight was because I got to fight for the title that I was supposed to receive in March earlier this year, when I faced Puerto Rico's Nestor Bravo,' said Ndongeni, who beat the Puerto Rican in his home country. 'So when this fight came, and the shot at that same title was on the line, to me, it was God's doing. I needed my chance to lose the title, because I didn't receive it or the award in Puerto Rico. So I am grateful to God that I was able to fight for it and rather lose it inside the ring.' Ndongeni and Bachkov kept fans inside the Rixos Tersane venue enthralled as the two warriors delivered a clinical display. The South African displayed a high-volume work rate, mixing body and head shots. Bachkov, by contrast, was more patient with his stick-and-jab combinations and selective with his punches. Both athletes showed great composure and excellent head movement. But ultimately, it was the stoic Bachkov whose power and precision won the day after he rocked Ndongeni with a head shot that dropped the African warrior. Ndongeni went down for a count and attempted to rise, but his experienced corner — led by renowned South African coach Sean Smith — had seen enough and threw in the towel, one round short of a scheduled ten-round championship contest. 'Yes, it was on a week's notice, but it's all good — it doesn't take away from the fighter,' said a gracious Ndongeni. 'He won the fight. He caught me with good punches — not so much the body shots, but the head shots. I got dizzy from those. "When I took the count, I was about to get back up, and then I saw my coaches throw in the towel. I'm grateful to my team at the end of the day. It's good to have someone who looks out for you. 'If a coach doesn't care, he will let you fight on. At least I can say I live to fight another day. Coaches see things you can't always see in the ring, so salute to my corner and my coaches. 'South Africa, we did our best. We came, we fell short — but we live to fight another day. I believe I'm going to be a champion one day, again,' added Ndongeni, who has held multiple titles, including the IBO Intercontinental, WBF Intercontinental, WBA Africa, and World IBO championships. Speaking at a glittering press conference and event before the IBA Pro Fight Night last week, IBA President Umar Kremlev highlighted the organisation's renewed vision and mission to open doors for amateur and professional boxers worldwide by empowering them to pursue their dreams — something that has not always been possible for many athletes. Kremlev outlined plans to build a robust support ecosystem for fighters from all backgrounds — amateur, professional, and bare-knuckle. 'Our goal is to ensure every athlete knows that IBA is their boxing home. We must create opportunities for children so that they can develop positively. We want to help children establish a new future for themselves and their families,' said Kremlev, whose organisation has long been a powerhouse in the amateur boxing world. 'This is like Real Madrid — you go through the amateur ranks, you earn your stripes, and then, if you want to go professional, we will take care of you,' added Al Siesta, director of IBA Pro. Kremlev also expressed his affection for Mzansi when asked about future plans in the Rainbow Nation. 'We have already hosted the Mandela Cup there in South Africa, and we also plan on staging an IBA Pro Night of Champions in South Africa,' he told Independent Media and MzansiMMA. 'We love South Africa very much. The African continent in general is a special place, and we have many talented boxers from there. A lot of events will be happening in Africa,' added Kremlev. With this news, Ndongeni is excited about the IBA's renewed direction and believes South African boxers can only benefit from the organisation's ambitions. 'This doesn't come around every time, you know,' he said. 'Being in South Africa is sometimes difficult. We have a lot of talent, a lot of boxers — and a lot of good boxers who can be champions. But opportunities like this don't come to many of us.'
IOL News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
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 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading '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.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dave Allen's future safety should be paramount following feel-good victory over Johnny Fisher
Dave Allen, aka 'White Rhino,' produced a career-boosting knockout win over Johnny Fisher, but should be wary of being exploited by boxing's circling sharks. 'I don't really know what level Johnny [Fisher] is to be fair, or what level I am,' Allen (24-7-2, 19 KOs) admitted candidly following a fifth round TKO win over domestic heavyweight rival Johnny Fisher. The 33-year-old from Doncaster, United Kingdom, proudly displayed his new WBA Intercontinental heavyweight belt over his left shoulder — a maiden trinket following 13 bruising years in the paid ranks. Advertisement His honesty post-fight didn't come as a surprise. Allen has become known for breaking the fourth wall of the boxing business in the UK over the last decade. In doing so, he's garnered somewhat of a cult following among a largely domestic fanbase. That goes some way to explaining the mixed atmosphere inside London's Copper Box Arena on Saturday night as Allen and Fisher headlined Matchroom's show on DAZN. The 26-year-old Fisher is well known as a ticket-seller in British boxing. But despite Fisher enjoying a lion's share of the support inside the 7,500-seat venue, it was Allen who drew rapturous applause as the night came to a close. This victory signals the start of yet another chapter in the Dave Allen book, building to a story that seemingly ran out of lines a few years ago. Allen 'retired' in 2020, following struggles with gambling and his mental health. He struggled to cope with the highs and lows he experienced in 2019, including beating Lucas Browne in a headline event at London's O2 Arena and then being bludgeoned by David Price just three months later. But these contrasting performances have summed up the career of Allen ever since he turned pro in 2012. He's been used as a yardstick to judge other heavyweights on the scene, and would usually suffer at their more talented hands. Luis Ortiz, Dillian Whyte, Lenroy Thomas, Tony Yoka, David Price and Frazer Clarke all teed off on the durable head of Allen across these losses. He'd then pad his record against a number of journeymen in the interim, as he recouped and recovered in between paydays. Advertisement 'I've been stitched up, broken my nose and perforated my eardrums,' he explained in 2021, before a run of small hall victories. 'I probably took years off my life, and I still wouldn't change it. I do still loving boxing as a sport in its purest form, but I hate the business side and the politics of it. I wasn't smart because I was broke. I came from a council house. My mom and dad never had a car, we had nothing. I was offered figures that felt like millions of pounds but in hindsight were less than what I was worth. I didn't care. For me thousands is enough, but now I realize what I missed out on.' He has also taken plenty of punishment away from the bright lights of a fight night, sparring multiple rounds with heavyweight champions such as Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Wladimir Klitschko and Oleksandr Usyk to buffer his bank balance. Advertisement That isn't intended to denigrate the performances of Allen or to begrudge his opportunities, but whether he should continue taking this sort of punishment in such an unforgiving sport has been a frequent question within British boxing, well before his two meetings with Fisher. That shouldn't change now. Allen is as likable as they come, and he's no doubt been exploited in the past for his entertaining personality and crippling self-confidence. Why overpay for an overseas heavyweight when you can underpay for Allen? And now, back in the winner's circle, the sharks will once again start circling for a slice of the Doncaster fighter, as they deliberate who to throw him in with next. Allen confirmed on his own YouTube channel that his win over Fisher on Saturday night has triggered a two-fight deal with Matchroom, something he has expressed happiness over, having worked with Eddie Hearn for a large portion of his career. He also expressed an interest in a meeting with Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs), a man he looked up to as a younger fighter, or a shot at the British title. But whatever is next for Allen, it shouldn't come at the expense of his health. It's possible he will be offered more money now than he ever has in his career, so it's paramount his head isn't turned by those who are eager to make a quick buck off his back. Advertisement So far, the signs are good. With a family now in his corner, Allen seems at peace and less likely to be forced into rash decisions. After all, it's the little things that really matter. 'This means everything to me. I've been written off so many times,' he explained as fans started filtering out of the east London venue. 'You know what it means? The belt, everything, my kids. I'm gonna have an en suite. They'll have their own bathroom between them.'
Daily Mirror
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Dave Allen gets Johnny Fisher revenge with round five KO win over rival
The Doncaster De La Hoya avenged his defeat in the first fight as he landed an overhand right in the fifth round before a hook on the bell saw the towel come in Dave Allen has avenged his defeat by rival Johnny Fisher with an emphatic knockout victory in their rematch. The Doncaster De La Hoya stopped his opponent in round five at the Copper Box. Allen landed an overhand right that put Fisher in trouble, and as he attempted to cover up, he eventually hit the canvas. Fisher barely beat the count, and Allen landed a vicious hook on the bell to leave Fisher prone in the middle of the ring. The referee waved the bout off as the towel came flying in from Fisher's corner. Paramedics attended to Fisher in the ring and gave him oxygen as Allen held off from celebrating, but he did regain his feet and congratulate his opponent. After having his hand raised in victory and being awarded the WBA Intercontinental heavyweight belt, Allen couldn't hide his delight. 'I knew the first fight did me a world of good," he said. 'I put a bit of weight on, I knew it would pay dividends, took the risk. I'm the fattest, hardest man you'll ever see. 'You know what it means? The belt, everything. I'm gonna have an en suite, that's the dream. My kids will have their own bathroom between them. 'At this level, I'm a handful. He over exaggerated the movement, which worked against him. I've got experience, I know the game inside out. I'm him, but with 30 more fights basically." When asked about the potential of a trilogy, Allen expressed his belief that it wouldn't be good for Fisher. 'He's my friend," he added. "He's a very good friend of mine. I wouldn't allow it [a trilogy fight] to happen, because it's not in his best interests.'
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen 2 live results, round-by-round updates, ring walks for British rematch
Johnny Fisher and Dave Allen show are set to rematch at the Copper Box Arena in London, England. (). Uncrowned has Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen 2 live results, round-by-round updates, highlights ring walks and start time for the Fisher vs. Allen 2 fight card on Saturday afternoon at the Copper Box Arena in London, England. Fisher and Allen rematch at the "CopperBosh" after the controversial verdict in their first fight. Fisher (13-0, 11 KOs) won a contentious split decision over Allen (23-7-2, 18 KOs) to claim the WBA Intercontinental heavyweight championship this past December in Riyadh on the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury 2 undercard. Advertisement "The Romford Bull" started the fight well, controlling the early rounds, however Allen managed to turn the tide in the fifth round, putting Fisher on the canvas and keeping him in major trouble. Allen landed a left hook as the boxers broke from a clinch. The punch connected on the side of Fisher's head and affected his equilibrium for the remainder of the fight. Consequently, Allen dominated the second half of the bout, leaving many to conclude that he had pulled off a major upset over Fisher. However, the judges decided differently. After 10 rounds, Fisher saw his hand raised by split decision. Advertisement On Saturday's undercard, Kieron Conway (22-3-1, 6 KOs) and Gerome Warburton (15-1-2, 2 KOs) clash for the British and Commonwealth middleweight titles. George Liddard (11-0, 6 KOs) also steps up against Aaron Sutton (19-1, 3 KOs) for the Commonwealth silver and British title eliminator at middleweight; should Conway and Liddard emerge victorious, the two are expected to face each other later this year. Fisher vs. Allen prelims begin at 11:45 a.m. ET and can be watched via Uncrowned. The main card starts at 2 p.m. ET on DAZN and main event ring walks are expected around 5 p.m. ET. Follow all of the action with Uncrowned's live results and play-by-play of the main card below. Main Card (2 p.m. ET, DAZN) Heavyweight: Johnny Fisher vs. Dave Allen Advertisement Middleweight: George Liddard vs. Aaron Sutton Middleweight: Kieron Conway vs. Gerome Warburton Middleweight: Jimmy Sains vs. Gideon Onyenani Prelims (11:45 a.m. ET, Watch via Uncrowned) Cruiserweight: John Hedges vs. Nathan Quarless Super middleweight: Taylor Bevan vs. Juan Cruz Cacheiro Middleweight: Emmanuel "Leli" Buttigieg vs. Novak Radulovic Super flyweight: Shannon Ryan vs. Fara El Bousairi
