AC Promotions became the latest boxing stable in Namibia when it was launched in Windhoek on Tuesday.
At the occasion, AC Promotions’ owner Immanuel Moses said it was a dream come true.
“I started a boxing gym a few years ago, but my dream was always to start my own boxing promotions company. So, this is a dream come true,” he beamed.
“We want to create more competition amongst our local boxers, trainers and promoters, and we want to have more local fights. We aim to unearth more boxing talents throughout Namibia,” he added.
Moses said he would continue to work with Kinda Promotions to stage local fights, while he had the backing of some international partners like Scott Farrell of Global Boxing Stars.
“We can groom our local boxers, but I need someone to take them to the next level. Farrell, who also works with the legendary Manny Pacquiao, will give them a bigger voice on the international stage,” he said.
Moses added that Global Boxing Stars had signed up some top Namibian fighters like Paulus ‘Hitman’ Moses and Sakaria ‘Desert Storm’ Lukas, with the latter due to appear in the first tournament to be staged by AC Promotions in Windhoek on 6 December this year.
Namibian businessman John Endjala, who is the patron of AC Promotions, congratulated Moses on his initiative, in an address delivered by his wife Penny Endjala.
“Imms decided to take the bull by the horns to support the government to create jobs for Namibian youths. He already has 10 professional boxers and 40 amateurs under his banner, which is highly encouraging, and he gives us great hope as business people,” Endjala said.
AC Promotions’ first boxing bonanza, to be called ‘Rising Stars of Africa’ will be staged at Paragon Crescent Suites in Eros on Friday, 6 December, with Lukas being the main attraction.
Lukas, who is still undefeated after 22 fights, will take on Yamikikani Mkandawire of Malawi, who has a record of seven wins, seven losses and one draw, over eight rounds in the main fight of the evening. According to Moses, a win will put him in contention for a world title shot.
“Desert Storm had a long lay-off, but with my international partners, we will keep him in top shape to take him to the world title. He is now ranked ninth in the world by the WBA and sixth by the IBF, and if he wins this fight, he will move up the rankings, and could be in line for a title shot,” he continued.
There will be seven other fights on the undercard.
In the main supporting bout, Ebenestus Kaangundue (6 wins, 4 losses) will take on Kagiso Bagwasi of Botswana, who is still undefeated after three fights, in a welterweight fight over six rounds.
In a middleweight fight over six rounds, Max Ipinge (4 wins, 1 loss) will take on Hedison Nghipondoka (4 wins, 2 losses); in a lightweight fight over six rounds, David Shinuna (5 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws) takes on Kuthwano Ogaketse of Botswana (4 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw); and in a super featherweight fight over six rounds, Sakaria Sheehama, who has lost both his fights to date, will take on Steven Bagwasi of Botswana (4 wins, 1 loss).
In a flyweight fight over six rounds, Namibian Olympian Mathias Hamunyela will make his pro debut against Mathew Nghikevali (1 draw, 1 loss); in a bantamweight fight over four rounds, Flame Nangolo (2 wins) will take on David Johannes, who is making his pro debut; and in a welterweight fight over four rounds, Alfeus Shaanika will take on an as yet to be named opponent.
