I believe in reality: Tobias

WHEN the Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses defeated Yusuke Kobori of Japan to become the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) lightweight champion, little did he know that he had just become a new national idol.

But had it not been for the man who orchestrated the whole deal, The Hitman would not be an idol today. He was a professional boxer and is now a reputable promoter in boxing circles. The Namibian Sport got to know the man behind The Hitman’s success, Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias, and this is what he had to say to reporter SHEEFENI NIKODEMUS. TNS: How does it feel to conquer the world from a trainer’s perspective? It feels good because people are appreciating and enjoying what has happened. You meet a lot of people who tell you that you’re an example to others and I hope that what I achieved will encourage other people. I am very proud of my achievement and it makes me proud to be Namibian. TNS: Going into the fight, were you confident that The Hitman would win? It’s tough at that level of boxing but I know Hitman very well and he is a confident boxer. He prepares very well and I told him that you have to build on your achievements so far and this was a big opportunity for him. I told him that it is all up too you so go out there and put in your best effort. TNS: What was your strategy for the fight? We knew that he (Yusuke Kobori) was a big puncher and he likes to bully people in the ring so I told Hitman don’t let him close. Just punch from outside and keep moving. The second round was the only time I got worried because he caught Hitman but he recovered very well from it. TNS: How will you keep hold of your world champion and not lose him to rival promoters? I know that he (Hitman) is very disciplined and that is why he was recently promoted to Warrant Officer Class Two. There are obviously those that would like to associate with him now that he is world champion but at the moment, we are with Don King who is the biggest international promoter. Locally I am his promoter and manager. If he decides to change then that will be his decision. TNS: Does your stable have the necessary facilities to accommodate a world champion? So far we have all the basics that you need to train for boxing. The gym is small but it is suitable for all the needs of the boxers. Anyone can come and train there. You don’t need to go abroad to train, all you need is to do the right things. If you give your boxer to someone else they will use him as a punching bag because they only care about their boxers. TNS: Are there any other potential world champions in your stable? Yes there are. This year I want to produce at least five more international champions. Tyson ‘The Unstoppable’ Uushona, Vikapita ‘Beast Master’ Meroro, Tommy ‘The Lion’ Hango, Wilbeforce ‘Black Mamba’ Shihepo, Jatoorora ‘The Sting’ Tjingaveta and Ali ‘Silent Assassin’ Nuumbembe are guys that I want to turn into champions. At the moment, we just need to get personal sponsors for them so that they can fight for titles. And there are also other prospects to watch like Sackey Shikukutu, Paulus Ambunda, Matthew Niitembu and Abraham Ndaendapo. TNS: You are the trainer, promoter, manager and much more at your Boxing Academy, how do you manage to fulfil all those roles? You cannot buy management experience. I have been in boxing for over 20 years and I have learned a lot during that time. Everything I know now I picked up through experiences. I didn’t go to school for it. I have assistants at the academy who help me out with things as well. My sporting background helped me a lot. In order to be successful you should be disciplined. TNS: When did you first get involved with boxing? Growing up in Nomtsoub (Tsumeb) everyone played soccer. There were bullies that always used to harass us. First I joined a karate club and stayed there for three weeks when I watched a movie by Bruce Lee. Later I joined the TCL Tsumeb Boxing Club after I had seen a movie about Mohamed Ali. I wanted to be like him. Turning professional was tough and I had some tough times while in Johannesburg (South Africa) but I didn’t give up. TNS: Which was your most memorable fight as a boxer? My first professional fight. It was the biggest and toughest fight of my career. It was against Johan van Rensburg at Sun International Hotel (South Africa) and there was a big crowd. I knocked him out in the second round. TNS: Did you pick up any accolades in your time as a boxer? I was the national champion for ten years. I was a champion at Featherweight, Junior Lightweight, Senior Lightweight, Light Welterweight, Welterweight and Light Middleweight. TNS: How did you make the transition from boxer to trainer and why? I attended many courses when I was at CDM during 1986 until 1992. I was the sports officer and did first aid, public relations and time management so I learned a lot. In 1999 I got injured while preparing for a world title fight. I damaged my shoulder and it was expensive to get it operated. That was the end of my career and so I started to think about what I would do. The boxing federation approached me to help Ali Nuumbembe prepare for the Sidney Olympics. In August 2000 I registered my academy because I saw that there is potential in the country but they have a lack of support. That is when I began to train and manage boxers. TNS: What do you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered for my history. The things I have achieved. I am a hard worker, down to earth and I respect other people. I don’t boast about my achievements. sheefeni@namibian.com.na Brief Profile Date of Birth: 1967-08-18 Marital Status: Single Children: Boy and girl Favourite Food : Pap en vleis Hangout spot: My television. I watch a lot of sports and normally hang out at the Windhoek Country Club. They are one of my sponsors. Music: Local kwaito and international R&B.