A STORM has broken out in boxing circles with the announcement that WBA intercontinental champion, Philip Ndou is leaving his promoter Branco Milenkovic and signing up with Golden Gloves — the giant of SA boxing promotions. Milenkovic called a press conference on Tuesday in which he stated that Ndou is still contracted to him, but said that he has terminated his contract with Nic Durandt, Nou’s trainer/manager. On Wednesday, Durandt clarified the reasons behind Ndou’s decision to leave Milencovic — the promoter who seemingly took him to the brink of a world title fight. Durandt insists that the decision was based purely on business reasons and that they felt Milenkovic wasn’t living up to his promises with regard to securing fight dates for Ndou. “I approached Rodney (Berman),” said Durandt, dispelling the idea that Ndou was poached by the bigger more powerful promotion team of Golden Gloves. “Ndou does have a contract with Milenkovic, but we feel that it has been breached,” said Durandt. “He will however still have an involvement in Ndou through his association with Panix promotions which manages 50% of Ndou’s career out of South Africa.” Ndou, the WBA’s number-five contender, will next fight on the Lennox Lewis – Francois Botha undercard on July 15 in London, and again on August 24 on the undercard of the Baby Jake Matlala – Hawk Makepula rematch. “After that we are very confident in securing Ndou a world title fight early next year.” said Berman.