Boxing Match Preview: Landile Ngxeke (16-1-1, 8 KOs) vs. Jose Salas Reyes (16-0-0, 10 KOs)
South African bantamweight contender Landile “Man Down” Ngxeke travels to hostile territory for a high-stakes showdown against undefeated Mexican phenom Jose “Chapulin” Salas Reyes, battling for the vacant IBF world bantamweight title in Mexico City. This 12-round main event—headlining a Bxstrs Promotions card—pits Ngxeke’s technical boxing and seven-fight win streak against Reyes’ explosive power and home-crowd advantage, marking the 30-year-old South African’s international debut. Reyes, the 23-year-old southpaw from Tijuana ranked No. 3 by the IBF, eyes his first world strap after stepping aside for unification bouts; Ngxeke (No. 4 IBF) aims to extend his resurgence since a 2022 setback, potentially crashing the division’s elite like Junto Nakatani or Naoya Inoue. With Reyes’ aggression (63% KO rate) testing Ngxeke’s durability (50% KO), expect a tactical chess match early—Ngxeke jabbing from range—erupting into mid-round firefights where body work and clinch breaks decide a bout leaning decision (65% probability), with Reyes’ Tijuana fire fueling a potential upset-proof home win.
Fight Information
Time: Main card starts 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT; ring walks approx. 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT (3:00 a.m. UTC)
Venue: Arena Jose Sulaiman, Mexico City, Mexico (capacity: 8,000; iconic venue known for electric atmospheres in title fights, with high altitude adding endurance tests for visitors)
Broadcast: ESPN+ (U.S.); Azteca 7 (Mexico); prelims on YouTube
Bout Context: 12 rounds at bantamweight (118 lbs) for the vacant IBF world title; promoted by Bxstrs Promotions and BXRumble. Reyes (#3 IBF) vs. Ngxeke (#4 IBF) ordered by the IBF after Ryosuke Nishida vacated post-unification loss.
Injury ReportB
oth fighters cleared medicals and passed weigh-ins without issue (Ngxeke 117.5 lbs, Reyes 118 lbs), per California-adjacent oversight for international bouts. No injuries reported in camps—Ngxeke’s prep was uninterrupted post his June UD, while Reyes’ May win was clean. Historical notes: Ngxeke’s lone loss (2022 TKO7 to Jayr Raquinel) involved a hand injury but long healed; Reyes injury-free in his 16-fight career.
| Fighter | Key Notes | Status |
| Landile Ngxeke | Full camp in East London; no setbacks since June 2025 UD. Past: Hand tweak in 2022 loss, resolved. | Cleared |
| Jose Salas Reyes | Healthy post-May 2025 win; Tijuana-based prep. Past: No reported issues; durable southpaw. | Cleared |
Key Fighter Matchups
Southpaw (Reyes) vs. orthodox (Ngxeke) in a size-matched duel (both ~5’6″, 68″ reach), but styles clash: Reyes’ forward pressure vs. Ngxeke’s counter-poking.
Reyes’ Power vs. Ngxeke’s Technique: Reyes (16-0, 63% KO) explodes with left hooks and combinations (lands 48% power), as in his May eight-round TKO of an unnamed foe. Ngxeke (16-1-1, 50% KO) boxes patiently with jabs (42% connect), per his June UD over Eric Gamboa (outlanded 210-165). Edge: Reyes’ aggression closes gaps early, but Ngxeke’s footwork (evades 58%) frustrates—watch southpaw angles in Rd 4-6.
Volume vs. Durability: Ngxeke’s 52 punches/round wore foes down (7 straight wins); Reyes absorbs minimally (32% landed on). Edge: Even—Ngxeke’s chin held in 2022 TKO; Reyes untested vs. elite pressure.
Stamina & Adaptability: Both distance veterans (Ngxeke 8/10 recent decisions; Reyes 4/5). Altitude favors Reyes; Ngxeke’s travel tests recovery. Edge: Reyes for home adaptation.
Fighter Records and Standings
Landile Ngxeke: 16-1-1 (8 KOs), ranked #4 IBF bantamweight. Pro since 2018; 18 fights, 106 rounds. Strengths: Technical counters, streak resilience. Weaknesses: International inexperience.
Jose Salas Reyes: 16-0-0 (10 KOs), ranked #3 IBF bantamweight. Pro since 2020; 16 fights, 74 rounds. Strengths: Explosive power, undefeated streak. Weaknesses: Limited vs. top-5 foes.
Reyes’ youth (23 vs. 30) meets Ngxeke’s experience.
Recent Form
Ngxeke: Seven wins since 2022 loss, blending decisions with stoppages. Reyes: Undefeated run with consistent finishes.
| Last 5 Fights | Ngxeke Result | Key Stat | Reyes Result | Key Stat |
| Jun 29, 2025 vs. Eric Gamboa | W UD 10 | 98-92 x3; jab control (120 landed) | May 15, 2025 vs. Unnamed | W TKO 8 |
| Mar 15, 2025 vs. Unnamed | W UD 8 | Narrow; volume edge | Apr 19, 2024 vs. Unnamed | W UD 10 |
| Nov 2024 vs. Unnamed | W TKO 6 | Body finish | Earlier 2024 | W KO 4 |
| Jun 2024 vs. Unnamed | W UD 10 | Comeback win | Earlier | W TKO 5 |
| 2022 vs. Jayr Raquinel | L TKO 7 | Lone loss; competitive | Debut 2020 | W KO 2 |
Ngxeke: 5-0 (1 KO) last 5; steady climb. Reyes: 5-0 (3 KOs); rising star.
Fight History
First meeting—no prior clashes or common foes noted. Reyes’ resume: Regional Mexican titles; Ngxeke: ABU/SA/IBO/WBO belts. 65% decision projection in Mexico City.
FIGHT ODDS
Landile Ngxeke + 450
Jose Salas Reyes – 700
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 12, 2025
