South African Xolisani Ndongeni is the new World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Lightweight Champion after defeating Abraham Ndauendapo from Namibia on Friday night, April 6, to win the vacant title at the Time Square in Pretoria.
After a tough fight, Ndongeni won a unanimous decision with scores of 115-113 from judge Phumeza Zinakile, 118-110 from judge Boitumelo Madiba and 117-111 from judge Nomhlawakhe Tyuluba. Referee in charge of the action was Ben Ncapayi.
After a somewhat slow start in the first quarter of the fight, where Ndauendapo looked the sharper man, Ndongeni found his rhythm as the fight progressed. At the half-way point he appeared to have solved the puzzle that was his awkward opponent, as out-boxed Ndauendapo in periods.
The visitor put on a very good performance and landed the heavier punches, but Ndongeni was the superior boxer and in the second half of the bout he showed glimpses of brilliance with excellent combinations and movement.
Also a former undefeated IBO World Champion, Xolisani Ndongeni (27) improved his professional record to an unblemished 24-0 (12). Abraham Ndauendapo (34), the reigning WBF All Africa Super Featherweight titlist, falls to 16-6 (5).
The fight headlined a championship triple-header promoted by TLB Boxing Promotions, a collaboration between South African boxing icons, and former world champions, Dingaan Thobela, Lehlo Ledwaba and Jan Bergman.