Harry Simon ‘s stock appears to have plummeted to an all time low after the former two-time world champion again failed to attract sponsors for his envisaged assault on the IBO and WBU light heavyweight world titles.
The fight, against former gym partner Joseph ‘Joey Vegas ‘ Lubega from Uganda, was scheduled for 26 September in Windhoek but was postponed indefinitely due to his stable Harry Simon Onkugo Promotions and co-organiser Kinda Boxing Promotions ‘ inability to raise funds to stage the event.
“I ‘m disappointed in the government. They are not giving him support but are giving other boxers support,” said despondent Onkugo Promotions representative Anita Tjombe, who also re-affirmed her condemnation of MTC ‘s reluctance to endorse Namibia ‘s first world boxing champion.
MTC previously dismissed Simon ‘s camp ‘s criticism as unwarranted and misplaced ranting.
“I don ‘t know what we are doing wrong. Government said they don ‘t have money for Harry in their budget. We also approached other corporate companies apart from MTC but they all say the same thing or that they don ‘t sponsor boxing,” Tjombe complained.
Tjombe admitted that Simon ‘s past indiscretions, which include serving a two-year jail term for culpable homicide, may be a contributing factor for the cold shoulder from would-be investors.
“There is this negativity towards Harry because of things he did in the past. He paid for it when he went to jail. So I don ‘t understand why nobody wants to assist him,” Tjombe said.
Like Simon, Tjombe believes the 43 year-old boxer, who has not fought competitively for two years, can still cut it at the highest level and stretch his unbeaten streak to 30 fights.
Apart from financial shortcomings, Simon ‘s absence from the ring has been extended by persistent poor medical and physical fitness.
Last month, he featured in an exhibition fight which was supposed to serve as preparation for his comeback fight.
“After he gets this title, he will defend it in America and then maybe only then will he retire,” said Tjombe.
“He ‘s still able and he ‘s not too old,” she added. “By next week we will know what the way forward is. We are still talking to a few people who may come on board and make the fight happen at a later date.”
Simon, who hinted at making his long-awaited return in November under new establishment Salute Boxing Academy in November, said: “If any promoter is willing to put up the funds for a fight for me, I will grab the opportunity. I ‘m ready to fight. I ‘ve been training and want to get back in the ring to show what I can do. ”
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