I’m speechless: Ambunda

By: SHEEFENI NIKODEMUS

LIFE as the WBO bantamweight world champion will take some getting used to, says Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda.

While he was confident of dethroning Thailand’s Pungluang Sor Singyu, the Namibian star said he still can’t quite comprehend that his lifelong dream has come true.
“I really don’t know what to say. There are no words to properly describe what I’m feeling right now,” Ambunda told The Namibian Sport yesterday.
The mild-mannered fighter said he celebrated his newfound international status with family and friends at a low-key get-together at his home in Windhoek on Monday.
“The dream has come true. I told you I will be champion but I still don’t believe it has happened.
“All I know is that it’s a wonderful feeling [to be world champion].”
Saturday’s national-pride-inducing world boxing championship victory led to his promotion from a Namibia Defence Force Sergeant to a more prominent Warrant Officer Class-2, leaving him even more speechless.
“It shows that they [NDF] value me. That’s why they gave me this promotion. I will continue to work hard to show that I deserve the position,” the 32-year-old said.

SAVED BY THE BELL

That work ethic was almost undone in the final round on Saturday as the new champion clung onto  his opponent after getting caught with a number of big blows.
Ambunda, whose left eye was swollen shut from one of those big punches in the twelfth round, said a combination of ring wit, determination and good fortune helped him over the finish line.
“It’s part of boxing. You need to be able to adapt. It’s not easy,” Ambunda said. “As long as I have God on my side I know I will go far.  
“Expect more titles. I will continue to work hard to keep my supporters happy and to put my country on the map.”
Ambunda will return to the gym in two weeks and will assume his new role in the NDF after a one-month sabbatical.
“Please tell the nation thank you very much for all their support. Without them I could not have been here today.
“This title belongs to the whole Namibia,” said the man who became Namibia’s third boxing world champion after Harry Simon and Paulus Moses.

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