Africa-Press – Namibia. African flyweight champion Fillemon Nghutenanye does not intend to relinquish his title to challenger Theo Nxayiphi of South Africa at the Roman Catholic Hall in Windhoek tomorrow. His rival disagrees, and promises to take the belt to South Africa.
“I’m ready for everything Fillemon will come with. He must be ready for what’s coming for him. Come 1 April, people will witness South African boxing. I’m taking that belt,” says Nxayiphi, who has seven wins, two losses and three draws to his name.
Nghutenanye is aiming for an 11th win in 12 fights.
A draw against compatriot Immanuel Josef in his seventh fight remains the only blemish on his record.
“Come see me in action. I’m a talented boy. I’m here to show up,” the champion says.
“He [Nxayiphi] said he’s ready for me, I was born ready. I can’t wait to share a ring with him. He will go back with nothing, just like he came with nothing.”
The 16-bout MTC Salute Boxing Academy bill also features Abed Shikongo (8-0) versus Steven Shimbonde (7-9) for the national bantamweight belt and national flyweight title contest between Jonas Erastus and Gabriel Tomas.
Also, Felesianu ‘Danny Boy’ Albino (20-2-1) makes his long-awaited return to the ring when he fights Andreas Nginaunye (1-10) in a super lightweight bout.
Former African Boxing Union featherweight champion Nataniel Kakololo (14-5-1) will look to bounce back from two consecutive high-profile defeats with a win against Jona Shikukutu (4-1-1).
Before losing to Russian Murad Aliev by a third-round stoppage in October last year, Kakololo lost via a technical knockout to WBC Silver featherweight champion Nick Ball of England in July.
“We are going to see experience versus a young big heart,” says Jason Baule, an MTC Salute Boxing Academy management member.
Combat sport enthusiasts will not be disappointed by the action on show, says MTC Salute Academy founder Kriata Kamanya.
“We’re ready to go for Saturday, and nothing is going to stop us. Come and support these young men. It will be a good fight. I think the nation will enjoy it,” Kamanya says.
“I would like to encourage other corporates to join MTC and support sport. We know we have a lot of challenges for the youth. Many don’t have anything to do.
“If we want to get them off the streets, join us and MTC to help them get off the streets.”
The event’s chief backer, MTC, has called on the fighters to justify its support for their craft.
“We invest in young men and women with the belief that one day we’ll see a country that has a sport economy, where young men and women earn a living from their talent,” MTC corporates affairs manager John Ekongo says.
“We know Namibia is not a heavily professionalised sporting regime, such as other countries, but we must make it happen.
“There’s absolutely no way we cannot make it happen, so long as we put our efforts in and so long as we make sure there’s dedication and commitment from both sides.
“If you don’t take yourselves seriously, then it’s not our job to take you seriously.”
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