Simnikiwe Bongco steps onto Kevin Lerena ABP undercard with eyes on the division
From idolising Kevin Lerena in East London to training with him and fighting on his undercard, Simnikiwe Bongco is ready to make a statement against Sivenathi Nolawu in Sandton.
Boxer Simnikiwe Bongco is taking in how far he has come from watching hero Kevin Lerena in East London to training alongside him and fighting on his undercard at the Sandton Convention Centre.
“Not so long ago, six years ago, I was down in East London idolising Kevin Lerena, wishing that one day I would get a chance to meet him,” said Bongco. “Years down the line, I got to watch him live, fast-forward, got to train with him, and now I’m on his undercard. That’s how big it is, and it can only be God.”
Read more: Boxing helps Simnikiwe Bongco escape a life of drugs and gangsterism
He faces Sivenathi Nolawu on November 6 and is treating the assignment with full respect. “We know Nolawu is a slick boxer and not one to be taken lightly, so we have been working in the gym trying to make sure that whatever he brings on the night, we counter it 10 times,” said Bongco. “As much as I respect him as a man, it’s my time now.”
A previous draw had left him unsettled, but recent performances have restored his belief. “It has actually boosted my confidence a lot because not so long ago I had my first fight as a draw, which never sat well with me,” he said. “I had to do some introspection as a man and get back strong. My recent performances have boosted my confidence a lot going into this fight.”
Also read: Eastern Cape boxer’s fight for a better life
Bongco is clear about his ambition in the division. “This division is becoming very hot and interesting. I see myself as the best, and this fight is an opportunity for me to make a statement and let everyone know that I am here to take over. My mission is to take over the division. It’s been a dream of mine since I was in East London, and now it is close to coming true. I won’t let Nolawu stand in the way of that.”
Being on Lerena’s card raises the stakes. “I have to put on a show,” said Bongco. “I idolise this man, and now I’m on his undercard, and that alone is an achievement. It can only top off with a big performance.”
Looking further ahead, Bongco’s plan remains steady. “Things will go according to plan in Sandton,” he said. “I plan to move up step by step. I want to be champion and whoever is in my way will have to step aside or fight me. I’m not backing down. I came to Johannesburg to make my childhood dreams a reality, and that is to become a champion.”
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates!
