Ndongeni Denies Comeback Bout Motivated by Money

Xolisani "Nomeva" Ndongeni has ended his seven-month retirement to challenge France's Ordy Weiss for the IBO Intercontinental welterweight title on December 19. The 36-year-old veteran from KwaBhaca, South Africa, strongly denied allegations that his boxing return was motivated by money or financial distress. Ndongeni revealed he received numerous international fight offers before accepting the European bout. He is moving up to welterweight after struggling to make junior welterweight limits in his May farewell fight.

Ndongeni's comeback has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some dismissing it as a money grab mission. He expressed disappointment at the comeback being reduced to a financial campaign. "Boxers retire and come back and no-one has ever reduced it as being motivated by money, yet when we do, we are dismissed as just being after a quick buck," Ndongeni said. He cited examples of other boxers, such as Tyson Fury and Floyd Mayweather, who have also retired and unretired without being ridiculed.

Ndongeni confirmed he was inundated with offers abroad, some of which were very tempting. "My phone has not stopped ringing since my farewell fight," he said. "I have been dismissing them but you know, sometimes when you are harassed about something you love, the mind tends to react accordingly." He received at least three offers in his rural village KwaBhaca this month alone.

One of the reasons Ndongeni took the Weiss fight was his long desire to fight in Europe. "I have always wanted to fight in Europe and I recall at one stage, I was close to fighting Kambosos [George] but his people turned me down," he said. This will be Ndongeni's first fight in Europe, with his previous bouts mostly taking place in the US and Latin America.

A victory against Weiss, who has just one loss and a draw in 37 bouts, will likely propel Ndongeni to an IBO title shot. The title was previously held by his fellow South African, Thulani Mbenge. Ndongeni is in peak physical condition, just 6kg over the welterweight limit, after struggling to make the junior-welterweight limit in his farewell fight.

Ndongeni's farewell fight in May was a 7-round stoppage victory over late replacement Chumani Tunzi. The win sparked calls for him to continue fighting, but he initially insisted it was his swansong. However, he eventually decided to return to the sport, citing his passion for boxing and the numerous offers he received.

Ndongeni's comeback bout against Weiss will take place on December 19 in France. If he succeeds in winning the IBO Intercontinental welterweight title, it could position him for another shot at the full IBO world title.

Key points

• Xolisani Ndongeni challenges Ordy Weiss for IBO Intercontinental welterweight title on December 19.
• Ndongeni denies allegations that his comeback is motivated by financial distress.
• A victory against Weiss could propel Ndongeni to an IBO title shot.