PAULUS ‘The Hitman’ Moses says the Japanese could not find Namibia in ‘their books’ – that is before he finished off Japan’s champion, Yusuke Kobori in Tokyo at the beginning of the year, and became Namibia’s World Boxing Association (WBA) Lightweight World title holder.
‘The Hitman’ arrived at Walvis Bay on Friday to start a two-day tour through the streets and suburbs of the harbour town and Swakopmund, showing off his World-title Lightweight belt to hundreds of fans.
He was driven through the streets – on a fire engine at Swakopmund – acknowledging the waving and singing crowds.
‘The Hitman’ was a huge hit in particularly the poor DRC-township, where large groups of children ran after the fire-engine cheering on their Namibian boxing idol.
Apart from meeting with leaders from the two towns, hundreds of local people also had the opportunity to hear him speak and tell of his fight in the Far East. He said when he left for Japan and had an opportunity to meet Kobori before the fight, he was reminded all the time by the Japanese title defender and his supporters of Namibia’s ‘insignificance’.
‘He said that I was an unknown boxer from and unknown country – that they could not even find Namibia in their books or records. This really hurt me,’ ‘The Hitman’ told the crowds.
He said it only made him more detertmined that he would last for at least the first round against Kobori … which he did, and even after inuring his hand in the seventh, he managed to win a unanimous decision from the judges after 12 rounds.
‘Well, I lasted the first round – and now the Japanese will also be able to check their records, and know for sure who and where Namibia is,’ he said, drawing enthusiastic applause.
‘The Hitman’ also had words of encouragement for children at the coast. He said that the only way they can succeed in life is to work hard, and honour their parents and elders.
He thanked the people of Erongo for their warm welcome and support.
‘The Hitman’ will also be visiting other regions. adam@namibian.com.na
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