The professional career of ‘Nuclear Bomb’ is moving at a snail’s pace despite an impressive amateur record

Simnikiwe “Nuclear Bomb” Bongco remains an unknown entity in the professional boxing ranks where he’s had only five fights since he turned professional in 2024.

A former amateur boxing star, a bronze medallist in the Commonwealth Games in England in 2022, quit the amateurs ahead of the Mandela Challenge in Durban in April 2024.

SA National Amateur Boxing Organisation (Sanabo) was to use that continental five-day event to assess boxers’ readiness for the last leg of the Olympic qualification, which was to take place in Thailand in May that year.

Bongco had been part of the Sanabo team since 2017. His future in professional boxing does not spark enthusiasm.

He does not regret relocating to Johannesburg but is certainly concerned about the snail’s pace of his career.

He has high regard for Peter Smith who has guided him to two wins, both by stoppages, in Aquila Boxing Promotion (ABP)’s events

Bongco will risk his No 4 rating against No 6 contender Sivenathi Nolawu over six rounds in the ABP’s tournament at the Sandton Convention Centre on November 7.

“I know I am gonna win the fight but it’s not going to be a walk in the park,” he said.

Asked about his progress, he said: “I am a point of calling out Jarred Silverman who I believe will be involved in an SA title fight ahead of me.”

Silverman, who is rated No 3 for the SA junior middleweight belt held by Brandon Thysse, will take on Stephanus Pypers over six rounds in an APB tourney next month.

Bongco’s situation leaves one wondering if he made a good decision to leave the amateurs, as he was on the verge of qualifying for the Olympics.

A gifted fighter with 229 wins from 238 fights, Bongco would have qualified for the global showpiece.

A full-time boxer, who is also looking after more than one mouth, Bongco needs action to also raise money to pay rent.