NATIONALLY anticipation continues to build as Ground Up Sports Promotion confirm that Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni’s historic farewell bout: “The Last Sting of the Wasp,” – will now take place on Saturday, 23 May 2026, at Jan Smuts Stadium in Arcadia, East London.
Limited Early Bird tickets are now available for R200 per person via Quicket, offering supporters the opportunity to witness a once-in-a-generation moment as one of the country’s most decorated boxers closes the chapter on a remarkable career.
The confirmation of the new date carries deep symbolic meaning in the champion’s journey. Ndongeni made his professional debut on the 29th of May 2010 at the Mdantsane Indoor Centre, where he faced Luyanda Vumazonke.
Sixteen years later, his final professional appearance once again taking place in the month of May represents a full-circle moment in a career defined by determination, perseverance and excellence.
The timing is even more fitting as May is also Ndongeni’s birth month, adding deeper personal meaning to the moment as he prepares to bid farewell to the sport that shaped his life.
Organisers have designed the event as a major boxing showcase and community celebration, featuring a full fight card including amateur contests, professional bouts, international fighters and exciting women’s boxing matches, highlighting the growing strength and diversity of the sport in South Africa.
Fans attending the event can expect a vibrant sporting atmosphere with food stalls, entertainment and fan experiences throughout the day, ensuring a festival-like environment from the opening bout to the final bell.
Promoter Loyiso Magqaza of Ground Up Sports Promotion emphasised the emotional significance of bringing the farewell to East London: “Nomeva is leaving the ring in style and history is truly in the making.
He began his professional journey in May 2010, and it feels only right that his final dance also takes place in May. East London is part of his story, and we are proud that the city will host this moment. While it is unfortunate that the Mdantsane Indoor Sports Centre is no longer able to host events of this scale, Jan Smuts Stadium will provide a powerful stage for what we expect to be an unforgettable farewell.”
Sport analysts and boxing supporters across the country have already begun describing the event as one of the most significant farewell bouts in recent South African boxing history, with many fans expected to travel from across the country to witness Ndongeni’s final appearance inside the ring.
While many supporters had hoped the historic bout could take place at the Orient Theatre or Mdantsane Indoor Sports Centre — venues deeply rooted in the region’s boxing heritage — capacity limitations made this impossible. Organisers are confident, however, that Jan Smuts Stadium will provide a fitting stage for a farewell of this magnitude.
As 23 May 2026 approaches, “The Last Sting of the Wasp” Boxing Tournament promises to be more than a farewell fight — it will be a national celebration of perseverance, sporting excellence and the enduring legacy of a champion whose influence extends far beyond the ring.
Additional event announcements, including VIP hospitality packages and headline fights, will be released in the coming weeks.
