Home town favourite Martin “Alligator” Mukungu will be the main attraction when he headlines a jam-packed boxing bonanza in Rundu on 17 October.
Mukungu knocked out Flame Nangolo in the first round to win the WBO Africa junior lightweight title on 30 May and received a hero’s welcome when he returned with the belt to Rundu shortly after.
Now he will be the main attraction in front of his home town fans, while several other high profile bouts will also feature on the undercard.
Promoter Nestor Tobias of the MTC Sunshine Boxing & Fitness Academy yesterday said that it will be a historic event.
“This boxing bonanza, that will be organised in partnership with the Kavango East Regional Council, is more than just a title defence – it’s a celebration of the first and only international champion to hail from the Kavango East Region… By bringing this event to Rundu, we aim to show the youth … that they too can follow in Mukungu’s footsteps and achieve greatness,” he says.
“Building on the spirit of national unity, this event transcends sport. It is an occasion to honour a man who has put Namibia on the world map. To celebrate our rich Namibian heritage, the night will feature exciting action of world class boxing, musical performances from top local artists, pageantry and cultural displays,” he adds.
Mukungu, who has a pro record of 14 wins (eight by knock out) and two losses, will defend his WBO Africa lightweight title against Lucky Manyebane of South Africa, who has a record of 13 wins (six by knock out) and four losses.
Two more Namibian international champions, Filipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa and Mateus ‘The Beast’ Heita will also defend their titles on the undercard.
Nghitumbwa, who has a record of 17 wins (including 15 knockouts) and two losses will defend his WBO Global super bantamweight title against the promising Tanzanian Jumanne Iddi Jumanne who is still unbeaten after 12 pro fights, which include six knockouts.
Heita, who has a record of 16 wins (10 knockouts) and one defeat will defend his WBO Africa featherweight title against the unbeaten South African, Ishmaeel Kadri, who has a record of 10 wins and one draw.
Major Namibian drawcards Harry Simon Junior, Jeremiah ‘Lowkey’ Nakathila and Paulinus ‘Jon Jon’ Ndjolonimus will also be in action although their opponents must still be named.
“We invite the entire nation, our corporate partners and the boxing community to support this event as we bring world class boxing to the region,” Tobias says.
Tickets will cost N$100 per person or N$20 000 for a wine and dine table of 10. More information can be obtained from the MTC Sunshine Boxing & Fitness Academy.
