Xolisani "Nomeva" Ndongeni

Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni is a South African professional boxer whose career took him from the streets and boxing gyms of the Eastern Cape to championship fights in South Africa and abroad.

Known as “The Wasp”, Ndongeni built a reputation as a technically skilled fighter with speed, movement and an ability to compete against some of the world's highly rated lightweights and super-lightweights.

Early life

Ndongeni was born on 6 May 1990 and is from Duncan Village in East London, Eastern Cape. He began boxing at the Duncan Village Boxing Gym under trainer Mzamo “Chief” Njekanye.

His professional career began in 2010, setting him on a path that would eventually take him outside South Africa and into major international fights.

Building an unbeaten record

Ndongeni quickly established himself as one of South Africa's promising young boxers.

He competed mainly at lightweight before moving between lightweight and super-lightweight. His combination of speed, technical ability and experience made him a difficult opponent.

By 2018, Ndongeni had built an impressive 24-0 professional record with 12 knockouts.

He also briefly trained at the famous Mayweather Gym in Las Vegas, an experience that gave him exposure to one of boxing's most prominent training environments.

World champion

One of the biggest moments of Ndongeni's career came on 6 April 2018, when he defeated Namibia's Abraham Ndauendapo by unanimous decision in Pretoria.

The victory earned him the World Boxing Federation (WBF) World Lightweight title.

The judges scored the fight 115-113, 118-110 and 117-111 in Ndongeni's favour.

He had previously also held the IBO World Lightweight title, making him a two-time world champion across recognised boxing organisations.

Boxing South Africa lists Ndongeni among the country's world champions during the 2018/19 period.

The Devin Haney fight

Ndongeni's biggest international opportunity came in January 2019, when he travelled to the United States to face rising American star Devin “The Dream” Haney.

At the time, Ndongeni entered the fight unbeaten.

Haney won the bout by unanimous decision, handing Ndongeni the first defeat of his professional career. Haney would go on to become a multiple world champion in three weight divisions.

The defeat ended Ndongeni's unbeaten run, but the fight also demonstrated that the South African was capable of competing on an international stage.

Life after the unbeaten run

Ndongeni returned to winning ways after the Haney defeat but later suffered another significant setback when he was stopped by fellow South African Prince “The Demon” Dlomo in the sixth round in October 2020.

He subsequently rebuilt his career, winning several fights and adding more titles to his résumé.

Among his later achievements was winning the ABU Super Lightweight title after stopping Peter Pambeni in 2021.

He continued taking international fights, facing opponents including Ernesto Mercado, Arnold Barboza Jr, Raymond Muratalla and Alan Chaves.

The final chapter

After more than 15 years as a professional, Ndongeni announced in 2026 that he would bring his boxing career to an end.

His final fight took place in May 2026 at Jan Smuts Ground in KuGompo City, where he defeated Chumani “AK 47” Tunzi, finishing the fight in the seventh round.

He retired with 34 victories, including 20 knockouts, and eight defeats, according to reports following his final bout.

More than a boxer

Ndongeni also developed a career as a personal fitness trainer, working with several South African celebrities.

Among those he trained were actress and businesswoman Connie Ferguson, musician and actor NaakMusiQ (Anga Makubalo) and entertainer Boity Thulo.

He was also involved in preparing Ferguson and NaakMusiQ for their high-profile celebrity boxing match at Sun City in 2022.

Xolisani Ndongeni — quick facts

• Full name: Xolisani Ndongeni
• Nickname: “Nomeva” / “The Wasp”
• Born: 6 May 1990
• From: Duncan Village, Eastern Cape
• Nationality: South African
• Height: 1.73m
• Reach: 1.77m
• Stance: Orthodox
• Professional debut: 2010
• Major titles: IBO World Lightweight, WBF World Lightweight, ABU Super Lightweight
• Notable opponent: Devin Haney
• Final professional record: 34 wins, 8 losses, 20 knockouts
• Retired: 2026

From Duncan Village to world championship glory and international boxing's biggest stages, Xolisani Ndongeni's career is a story of resilience. The Wasp may have left the ring, but he leaves behind a career that saw him become one of South Africa's notable fighters of his generation.