Ayanda Ndulani’s promoter has pulled off a coup by convincing the camp of Mexican boxer Luis Castillo to come to SA for their WBC mini-flyweight title eliminator.
The development is in stark contrast with the earlier feeling of the East London boxer’s promoters Xaba Promotions and Xaba Boxing Academy that Ndulani was not good enough.
The promoters made their feelings known after Ndulani twice escaped with highly controversial split decision victories over Siphamandla Baleni in defence of his IBO mini-flyweight title.
But after the WBC ordered Ndulani to face Castillo to determine the mandatory challenger at their convention in Mexico in November, XP boss Ayanda Matiti sprang into negotiations with the Castillo camp behind the scenes.
Unaware that negotiations were at an advanced stage, the WBC issued a January 31 deadline for the two camps to reach an agreement, failing which the promotional rights of the fight would go to purse bids auction.
After back-and-forth talks, with both parties making counter offers, Matiti managed to convince Castillo’s camp to come to the country, which would give Ndulani a massive home-ground advantage.
“By the time the WBC ordered us to conclude negotiations we had almost reached the deal bar a few issues needing ironing out,” Matiti said.
The fight will be staged at the Durban International Convention Centre in KwaZulu-Natal on February 25.
It will form part of the XP tournament which marks the promotion’s move into the province, headlined by SA junior-bantamweight champion Landile Ngxeke against Filipino Michael Mendoza.
Asked if he had changed his mind about the credentials of Ndulani as a world-class boxer, Matiti said: “Listen, I still stand by my words that Ndulani did not beat Baleni in both fights.
“But let’s not forget that Ndulani has all the tools to beat any boxer in the mini-flyweight division and has a knack for pulling a surprise when least expected.
“For that reason, I went out of my way to ensure that he gets all the opportunity to win by not going to Mexico.”
Ndulani is rated top by the WBC while Castillo was initially rated sixth when he was approved for the title eliminator, but has since been elevated to the second spot.
The developments deterred Ndulani’s camp from going to Mexico where the WBC has its headquarters.
“I doubt we would have won in Mexico so we had to do something to ensure that Ndulani’s chances are amplified.”
The closeness of the date raised a few eyebrows but Ndulani has been in camp throughout the December holidays.
However, the Castillo camp hit a snag in Mexico after they were allocated a February 27 date for the interviews for visa applications to come to the country.
Matiti allayed fears though, saying he expected the Mexicans to arrive in the country a week before the fight, confident that he would get the SA Embassy to fast-track their visas.
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