As the old saying goes “Third time lucky” it was certainly a charm for South African Takalani “Panther” Ndlovu 32-6(18). Recently he won the IBF Super Bantamweight title when he bested Steve Molitor over twelve rounds. Ndlovu 33, had previously lost twice to Molitor in 2007 & 2010 both times in Canada, the first time being stopped in the ninth round. On the second occasion he fought Molitor to a standstill but still lost a decision. Originally hailing from the township of Soweto, he’s come a long way the world seems to be his oyster. Here’s what he had to say on winning the title, what his future hopes are and what life was like growing up in South Africa and the path he took into Boxing.
Hello Takalani, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright – Firstly congratulations on a terrific win over Steve Molitor to claim the IBF Super Bantamweight title. What can you tell us about the fight looking back?
Takalani Ndlovu – Thank you. Going into this fight I was realistic. I knew I had to fight and give it my all to win the belt; I didn’t want to leave anything to the judges. I enjoyed my preparations, it was like when you study for exams and can’t wait to write the paper and I couldn’t wait to get into the ring. I also knew Molitor was looking past me because of our previous encounters, the possible plans Top Rank had for him after this fight and he was banking on my past mistakes and losses to him to beat me.
Anson Wainwright – How did you feel when they announced that you had won and were the new champion? Will winning the title change your life?
Takalani Ndlovu – I was emotional. It was a dream a true. I believe my life will change for the better
Anson Wainwright – Thought it is obviously early days what are your future plans now you are the champion?
Takalani Ndlovu – I haven’t had time to sit with my promoter and discuss the way forward. It’s too early to tell, but knowing Branco he has some plans in mind.
Anson Wainwright – It was the third time you had fought Molitor. What was different this time?
Takalani Ndlovu – My mindset and surroundings was different, I matured, I not only had a trainer, but a teacher, I was taught and was willing to learn. We had the same goal and interest. I owed the opportunity to fight Molitor for the 3rd time to my promoter Branco and I was not going to let him or myself down without a fight. I put in more and took nothing for granted.
Anson Wainwright – Who are the members of your team; who is your manager, trainer & promoter? Also what gym do you train at?
Takalani Ndlovu – I train at BRD boxing gym in the south of Johannesburg. My trainer is Mr. Manny Fernandes, my promoter Mr. Branco Milenkovic; I’m managing my boxing career now with the help of my wife and my promoter.
Anson Wainwright – In your career to date you have fought all over the world in Canada, Germany, Britain, America as well as in South Africa. What can you tell us about this experience? Did it help mould you as a fighter & person?
Takalani Ndlovu – As a fighter I learned a lot from my traveling, there are many things and people in my life that helped mold me as a person. I’m grateful for every experience.
Anson Wainwright – Could you tell us about your youth growing up in Soweto? Was it similar to many boxers and it was tough for you?
Takalani Ndlovu – Growing up in Soweto was never easy. Most boxers have a similar story to tell. There were many challenges, but I had a choice. With the guide of my late cousin I followed boxing and at the age of 9 I decided to try it. Turned out my cousin opened a gift I had, but wasn’t aware of it. I boxed and it’s been my bread and butter.
Anson Wainwright – Last year the Soccer World Cup took place in South Africa. What did you think of it? Did you go to any games? What impact has that had on your country?
Takalani Ndlovu – It was breathtaking, it brought Africans closer together! I went to a few games. South Africa has changed since the world cup; our economy is standing the test of time. Africa is shinning on the map.
Anson Wainwright – When you’re not boxing what do you enjoy doing with your spare time?
Takalani Ndlovu – I work as a personal trainer and boxing instructor, but importantly I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife and kids are wonderful and humorous beings. I always look forward to spending time with them.
Anson Wainwright – What do you think of the other champions at Super Bantamweight WBC Nishioka, WBA Shimoda & Interim champion Rigondeaux & WBO Vazquez?
Takalani Ndlovu – I don’t know much about them. I know I might have to face one of them one day, I won’t say much I’ll cross the bridge when I get to it. My promoter is a capable man and anything is possible, I’m game to defend my title
Anson Wainwright – Now that you are world champions what goals do you have still in Boxing?
Takalani Ndlovu – I’d like to defend my title three or four times and maybe unify with one of the champions in my division
Anson Wainwright – Finally do you have a message for the people of South Africa after your title win?
Takalani Ndlovu – I’m humbled by the like and support I received. I’d like to thank my fellow South Africans/fans for their support and well wishes, I hope to defend my title long enough to be able to give back to my supportive community and the South African boxing world.
Thanks for your time Takalani.
Anson Wainwright
15rounds.com
Weekend Thoughts – The HBO PPV card on Saturday was billed as “Action Heroes” and it certainly lived up to its name. Many people believed the main event was a mismatch, however Erik Morales rolled back the years giving Marcos Maidana hell all the way through. It was a remarkable performance by “El Terrible” his right eye was closed midway through the second. It was truly inspiring to see the tough Mexican veteran now entering his 35th year roll back the years, if there’s ever been a fighter who fought with such heart I’ve yet to see him, it really was that humbling. The fight most people looked forward to going into the card was Michael Katsidis-Robert Guerrero, it never let us down either. Though for large parts of the fight Guerrero out boxed Katsidis, there were several outstanding exchanges. Guerrero on the back of a very good win deserves a fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. The referee Russell Mora had a poor night, he missed a knock down in the second when Guerrero’s glove touched down. He also penalized Katsidis twice in the eighth for low blows, incredibly without any prior warning, he then did the same to Guerrero in the ninth. I’ve always been a big fan of James Kirkland but his first round loss was stunning, I never saw that coming…It was a weekend of shocks first on Friday Night Fights Marco Antonio Rubio took a shellacking for 5 and a half rounds before he stunning David Lemieux coming on strong in the sixth before the well thought of Canadian was rescued in the seventh. On Shobox all three favored fighters lost, Marcus Johnson lost to Dyan Davis, Willie Nelson to Vincent Arroyo & Danny O’Connor was upset against Gabriel Bracero. While over in Primm, NV Ghanian Olympian Bastie Samir drew with unheralded Lester Gonzalez. In Japan Hozumi Hasegawa was surprisingly stopped in four by Jhonny Gonzalez.
