Energy in world title eliminator 

Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa will take on Leonardo Carrillo of Colombia in a world title eliminator at the Windhoek Showgrounds on 9 May. 

The fight will be the main bout of the ‘Tribute to Dr Sam Nujoma Boxing Bonanza’, which will see Nghitumbwa defending his WBO Global super bantamweight title against Carrillo, who is the current WBA Latino super bantamweight champion. 

At a press conference yesterday, Nestor Tobias of the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing Academy said the fight will serve as a world title eliminator, while it will be staged in partnership with the Sam Nujoma Foundation. 

“In partnership with the Sam Nujoma Foundation, this boxing bonanza aims to celebrate the enduring legacy of an iconic figure who has significantly contributed to sport, particularly boxing, and the nation as a whole. Sam Nujoma has been an extraordinary leader and served as the patron of our academy,” he said. 

In the main supporting bout, Mateus Heita will also aim to move closer to a world title eliminator when he defends his WBO Africa featherweight title against Zolisa Mbityi of South Africa. Heita has a pro record of 15 wins and one loss, while Mbityi has a record of 34 wins, 15 losses and 3 draws.

Top prospect Harry Simon Jr (23 wins, one draw) will also be in action against Freeman Mabvongwe of Zimbabwe (nine wins, six losses), while in other fights, Joy Nangolo will face Rofhiwa Nemushungwa of South Africa in a bantamweight fight while Naftalie Sheyapo will take on Pinehas Johannes in a heavyweight fight. 

“Our goal is to improve their world ratings and ultimately secure opportunities for them to compete for a world championship, following our history of producing champions through this very platform. We owe this legacy to influential figures like Nujoma, who recognised Namibia’s potential,” Tobias said. 

“Boxing is not just about the fighters in the ring; it stimulates multiple sectors of the Namibian economy, impacting industries such as beauty (ring girls), fitness (gyms), medical (doctors and physiotherapists), catering, and marketing. This event contributes to the economic landscape through various sectors and exemplifies youth empowerment by guiding young individuals from challenging circumstances to a better future, ultimately enabling them to provide for themselves and their families. Moreover, boxing events have the ability to attract global audiences of up to two billion viewers, both in-person and online, in a single night,” he added.

Tobias said the Nujoma boxing bonanza will become an annual event to pay tribute to Nujoma and acknowledge his contributions to Namibia.

“We urge all leaders and members of the business community to support this event in any capacity, whether financially or in any kind. We would also like to express our gratitude to our main sponsors, Mobile Telecommunications Limited, and co-sponsor PstBet, supported by the Namibia Tourism Board, for their continued support and investment in the sport,” Tobias said. 

“Together, let us unite and support our young people as we continue with our struggle for economic emancipation. Tickets will go for N$100 general and VIP tables sitting 10 with a box, wine and dine for N$20 000,” he added. 

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