Has-beens and ‘weaves’ at Ramatex

THE boxing extravaganza set for Ramatex on Saturday promises to be an array of highlights judging by yesterday’s pre-fight conference in Windhoek.

Onlookers that thronged the promo gallery at Wernhil Park were left enthralled and in stitches as the top fighters on the bill engaged in a battle of witty banter.Main attraction Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda vowed to be unrelenting in his punishment of Brazilian opponent William Prado during their WBA/WBO world title eliminator in the bantamweight division.He then proceeded to taunt the South American, saying his home country was more renowned for its football players and ‘weaves’ – hair extensions popular among Namibian women. ‘Prado, this will be a dirty game. Come Saturday, Prado will fall in each round until he gives up,’ Ambunda boasted. ‘I did’t know Brazil has boxers. I only know Brazilian hair and soccer.’In reply the soft-spoken Brazilian said: ‘I came here to show what Brazil has in the ring. We have tough fighters in my country.’Not to be outdone, undercard Bethuel ‘Tyson’ Uushona and his South African rival Isaac Hlatshwayo gave their best Haye/Chisora impersonation during their heated exchange. The two will square off for the WBO Africa welterweight title. ‘I’m not a pushover. Some say I’m done but I’m not done. Tyson my boy, you are biting off more than you can chew. I’m here to destroy Uushona. I will bury Uushona,’ said the 34-year-old former IBO lightweight, IBO welterweight and IBF welterweight world champion. Uushona, with microphone in hand, stepped over menacingly to face Hlatswayo and called him a has-been. He said: ‘My brother, you can’t live on your past achievements, you have to move on. I can assure you that come Saturday night I will lay you down. You say you have fought the best but you have never fought me.’Cue in the Hitmen, who will fight for a WBO International lightweight title. Cassius ‘Hitman’ Baloyi reckons his adversary is past his prime and punches like an old man. ‘We have the same name but after Saturday there will only be one real Hitman,’ said Baloyi, a 37-year-old veteran who has held seven belts in five weight divisions.Assuming the role of the diplomat, Paulus ‘Hitman’ Moses responded by saying: ‘Welcome to Namibia and good luck. I’ve fought for titles before and I know what I have to do on Saturday. I’m going to collect my title.’The fight’s co-promoters, Dingaan Thobela and Nestor Tobias, said the boxers were in fine shape and would not disappoint the masses. Musicians The Dogg, Tequila and Stefan Ludik will be performing between the fights.The ticket prices range from N$500 for VIP tickets, N$200 for middle-row seats and N$50 for grand stand seats.The event starts at 19h00.