Invest in boxing

THE overwhelming support that Namibian boxing got from Government to host the world title fight which featured Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses and his co-fighters is really commendable.

I am told that despite the several large investments made by some sponsors, the Government, through the Directorate of Sport, managed to pull this one off as a couple of million was needed to stage the first-ever world title fight in the country.The event was a success; a lot of people were impressed with the fights and I am sure they got their money’s worth.Some argue that the main bout featuring Moses against Japan’s Takehiro Shimada did not deliver the knockout punch as expected.Some say it was a tactical fight from the Namibian because he wanted to go the distance, while some simply did not see it and only heard about the outcome.Well, that does not matter anymore because we need to look towards the future now and improve on our mistakes.I personally think boxing has clearly demonstrated that it can be rated as one of Namibia’s strongest links when it comes to sport.Last week, I wrote about the amount of talent in Namibian boxing, especially on the professional level, and that we only need the financial muscle to turn these raw talents into world-beaters.Boxing promoter and trainer Nestor Tobias promised President Hifikepunye Pohamba that next year this time, Namibia would have three world boxing champions.I believe him, because he has already produced one and now has several African champions who just need to go a step higher.Ali Nuumbembe, Jatoorora Tjingaveta, Betuel Uushona, Sacky Shikukutu and Paulus Ambunda are all world champion material and I have no doubt that Tobias will not disappoint the President.If Tobias does not realise this, still, Namibia will have these boxers as champions on the continent, because in boxing you either move up the rankings and become and remain a champion, or get knocked out and retire for good. A comeback is considered as almost as a money-making stunt under the guise of love of the sport.But, for these potential champions to realise their dreams, they need continuous and unconditional support.Tjingaveta, Uushona and Ambunda don’t have title sponsors such The Hitman and won’t it be good if they can get some financial backing to achieve their goals.They are basically valuable brands without names which are up for grabs and one can make a fortune out of them if you just invest a few thousand to get them to the top.NamPower is behind The Hitman and wherever he goes, his name is associated with the company. Over the past few years, NamPower has catered for the boxer and today he is a world champion.I was a bit surprised to see several companies jumping on the bandwagon of wanting to be associated with The Hitman after he successfully defended his title at the weekend.I don’t blame them for capitalising on the success of The Hitman because of certain flaws in the system, but it is a pity that they have not spent a dime on this man and others when they were trying to raise funds to stage the championship.But, point is, for anyone who wishes to invest in a professional boxer should start now because the sport is going to produce world champions for Namibia indeed. corry@namibian.com.na