WBO Africa interim bantamweight champion Immanuel (Prince) Naidjala yesterday called on would-be investors to step up their support for Namibian boxing.
Naidjala – expected to defend his title against Tanzania’s Emilio Norfat on June 8 – said the country’s boxers have proven to be reliable, a factor that deserves reward from the business community. According to Naidjala, boxers have – for the most part – have shown exemplary sportsman behaviour and unwavering commitment to their trade. ‘Boxers are disciplined guys. Invest in us,’ said Naidjala ‘We appreciate those that have always helped us.’Even with the little support we get we have tried our best. I believe that with more support we can do even better,’ said Naidjala.Naidjala retained his WBO Africa Interim Bantamweight title after a sensational performance against South Africa’s Lwazi Mzoliso during the Independence Boxing Bonanza in Windhoek on March 21. The 27 year-old champion, showed plenty of grit to overcome four knockdowns and knock out his challenger.Still unbeaten in 13 pro outings, Naidjala will look to get another victory under his belt against Norfatt, who was knocked out by Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda – the full WBO Africa champion in the division – last year. However Norfat returns to the scene of that defeat full of confidence, having racked up an impressive five successive wins since that 12th round stoppage. Also on the card is a welterweight national title contest between Sacky Shikukutu and Tommy Hango, with the enterprising Athony Jarman also to feature against a yet to be named South African opponent in the same weight class. Also fighting are: Manfred Haimbanga v Peter Philipus (Junior lightweight – 4 rounds); Lazarus Namalambo v Dawid Elago and Sakaria Lukas v Mathias Johannes (both featherweight – 4 rounds); Peter Malakia v Joseph Katenda (lightweight 4 rounds); Julius Indongo v TBA (lightweight 6 rounds) and Mathias Shimbi v Sem Kambonde (lightweight 4 rounds).
