Full Story
Boxing feast at Country Club
THE Independence Day boxing bonanza slated for March 20 at the Windhoek Country Club will highlight Namibian WBO African interim welterweight champion Betuel ‘Tyson’ Uushona as he defends his title against Tommy Hango for the second time.
Meanwhile, in another major title bout, WBO African bantamweight champion Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda is aiming to halt Sithembele Kibiti from South Africa inside ten rounds as he makes his first title defence since winning it in October of last year with a second-round TKO over Lwazi Mzolozi, also of South Africa.
The hard-hitting Ambunda is unbeaten after nine pro fights, with most of his victories coming via knockout.
Also fighting during the Independence Day celebrations will be the hard-hitting light heavyweight Vikapita ‘Beastmaster’ Meroro, who will face Douglas Otienie from Kenya over 12 rounds.
The impressive Meroro, who captured the WBO African light heavyweight title by dismissing Zimbabwe’s Tinei Mhardizo in two rounds in September last year, has a record of 17 wins and one defeat, whereas Otienie has won 12 of his 13 fights and lost one.
Junior welterweight Sacky ‘Izinyoka’ Shikukutu will look to get back to his devastating best when he squares off against Zimbabwean fighter Bhekimpilo Milo after being knocked out in his last fight by South Africa’s Norman Tshisakwawe.
The cocky Uushona vowed to keep hold of his title when he takes on Hango in the main bout of the evening.
Uushona won their previous fight on points and Hango will look to take advantage of the rematch by claiming the title, but to do that he will have to overcome the confident champion who looks to make it 20 wins from 20 fights.
“The man has been crying for a rematch so I’m giving it to him. I’m prepared and I know I will still be the champion when the fight is over. I’m well prepared and I will rather worry about guys like Floyd Mayweather or (Manny) Pacquiao because I want to fight against top boxers.”
The soft-spoken Hango, who has a record of 11-9-1, countered by simply saying he was ready for the fight and is aiming to win.
“I’m ready to take the title. I am looking forward to the fight, he said.
In another rematch, Abraham Ndaendapo will battle fellow countryman Gottlieb Ndokosho for the vacant junior lightweight national title over 10 rounds.
The opening fight of the night sees Junius Indongo fight against Festus Nghidinwa, a two-time national champion, for another lightweight title, followed by a junior featherweight bout between a yet to be confirmed local fighter and Zimbabwean Tapiwa Tembo, with Immanuel Naindjala expected to take on Mxolisi Nombewu from South Africa in a bantamweight fight over four rounds.
The tournament promoter, Nestor Tobias, told reporters that having so many titles on the line will galvanise the boxers into putting on a good show. All in all nine bouts are scheduled to take place on the night.
“It should be a cracker because there is a lot at stake. The fighters know that if you do not perform you will lose your title, and it is also an opportunity to prove that they are top boxers. The boxers are ready to show that they want to fight better opponents from USA, Britain and the rest of the world,” said Tobias.
sheefeni@namibian.
com.na
