Ali against Rambo

THE Namibian welterweight title will be up for grabs on Friday, as Ali Nuumbembe and Frans Hantindi square up as part of the Boxing Bonanza at the Country Club on Friday.

Nuumbembe’s South African opponent, Alwyn Mahonisi, developed cold feet before what was supposed to be a World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Pan-African title against the Namibian.Hantindi, nicknamed Rambo, who last fought in November 2006, replaced the South African pugilist and promised that he will step up to the plate.There will be another national title fight between Peter Malakia and Martin Haikali, while several other fighters will also take to the ring to oust each other.Both Nuumbembe and Hantindi are experienced fighters and vowed that they will dish out an exceptional performance.Hantindi boast with a professional record of 26 fights, 13 wins, 2 draws and 11 defeats, while Nuumbembe has a fantastic record of 26 fights, 21 wins, 4 loses and a draw.Nuumbembe said he regards his opponent as a great boxer, but believes that he has what it takes to send him to the canvas.Hantindi will have a disadvantage of not being in a competitive fight for over two years now, while Nuumbembe last fought in March this year.’I am looking forward to the fight and I thank Rambo for coming in to save the day after the other contender pulled out. He is a good, experienced fighter, but I am one of the best boxers in the country, so I will take the battle to him,’ said Nuumbembe.Hantindi said he has great respect for Nuumbembe, but regards the fight as important for his career as he wants to prove that he still has something left in the tank.’I have been working hard. I never gave up since I last fought in 2006, so I am ready to challenge my countryman and possibly get a victory. I’m ready for the fight,’ said Hantindi, a former Pan-African champion. Tickets will cost N$100 per person and the fights will start at 19h00.corry@namibian.com.na