Energy to fight for WBO belt

Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa is a “future world champion”, says promoter Nestor Tobias ahead of the fighter’s showdown with South African Thatho Bonokoane for the vacant WBO Africa super bantamweight title in early December.

Nghitumbwa (12-2) has put aside the disappointment of losing his WBO Global strap to Filipino John Riel Casimero in May 2023, and intends to bounce back with victory over current WBF world champion Bonokoane.

The South African has a record of 21 fights, 15 wins, five loses and a draw.

“This bout will be very entertaining, since both boxers are very strong and power fighters, this will be a fight full of action and certainly it will end up in a KO in the later rounds. This fight means a lot to Energy and is very important to the Namibian nation as Energy is our flagship fighter and our future world champion,” Tobias said in statement yesterday.

The MTC Sunshine Boxing Academy founder said they are excited to have secured “such a quality and suitable opponent” for Nghitumbwa.

Tobias believes it is the type of fight that will put Nghitumbwa back on track for bigger fights.

“He was obviously very disappointed at losing his close fight versus Casimero, but we assured him that we will get him another opportunity to redeem himself, like we did for our former champions,” said Tobias.

“This time Energy should shine as it does not get better than a high profile fight to get back in the top 15 world ratings.”

Nghitumbwa is optimistic about his chances against an accomplished fighter like Bonokoane.

“I am extremely excited to get a chance to redeem myself. I respect his record and his pedigree but I will come with my own, as my dream is to fight the best to become the best, and this is my opportunity to go back to the top to challenge for the world title,” Energy said.

The fight is scheduled for the Windhoek Country Club on 2 December. Tickets will cost N$200 for general admission, with a VVIP table of 10 costing N$20 000.