Namibian boxers clinch medals in Mauritius

WINDHOEK – Two of Namibia’s boxers destined for the Olympic Games in China next month have won gold and silver medals recently.

Not only did Mejandjae Desmond Kasuto win gold, he was also crowned best boxer at the second African Nations boxing tournament held in Mauritius in late June. Namibia’s silver medal was won by 2006 Commonwealth gold medallist Japhet Uutoni.Their third team-mate Julius Indongo did not participate due to an injured thumb.Namibia Amateur Boxing Association Secretary General Joe Kaperu this week said the result shows that preparations are well on track.The three boxers, together with their coach Mistake Gariseb, left for Tunisia on April 27 for an intensive three-month training camp in Tunis, sponsored by the African Boxing Confederation (ABC) and the International Boxing Centre Tunis.The training camp is attended by all African boxers who qualified for the Olympic Games under international qualified coach Fabricio Leclercg.Kaperu said that the Namibian boxers also participated in two other tournaments but on both occasions lost on points.In May, the Namibians fought against highly skilled Cuban boxers in Ukraine but lost all their fights, even though Uutoni put one Cuban boxer down, while in Taiwan, in early June, they also could not win any fights against their more technical Russian counterparts.Kaperu said the defeats again show that African boxers are too physical compared to Cuban and Russian boxers, who are more technical and maintain a high level of fitness and stamina.However, as time progressed and experienced gained, the Namibian boxers picked up the pace and won two medals in Mauritius.Kaperu further said that Indongo’s injury has since healed and he is back in contact training, adding that all three boxers are now in Thailand for another training camp and competition.Their next destination could either be Russia or India, but confirmation will be made at a later stage, he said.Kaperu said that the boxers might leave for China straight from Tunisia, as they do not want to interrupt the boxers’ momentum.He added that another training camp is planned for China from August 2-8 to acclimatise and to do the boxers’ final conditioning, before the Games start on August 8.Kaperu noted that the boxers are in high spirits and eager to fight with dignity during the Olympic Games.NampaNamibia’s silver medal was won by 2006 Commonwealth gold medallist Japhet Uutoni.Their third team-mate Julius Indongo did not participate due to an injured thumb.Namibia Amateur Boxing Association Secretary General Joe Kaperu this week said the result shows that preparations are well on track.The three boxers, together with their coach Mistake Gariseb, left for Tunisia on April 27 for an intensive three-month training camp in Tunis, sponsored by the African Boxing Confederation (ABC) and the International Boxing Centre Tunis.The training camp is attended by all African boxers who qualified for the Olympic Games under international qualified coach Fabricio Leclercg.Kaperu said that the Namibian boxers also participated in two other tournaments but on both occasions lost on points.In May, the Namibians fought against highly skilled Cuban boxers in Ukraine but lost all their fights, even though Uutoni put one Cuban boxer down, while in Taiwan, in early June, they also could not win any fights against their more technical Russian counterparts.Kaperu said the defeats again show that African boxers are too physical compared to Cuban and Russian boxers, who are more technical and maintain a high level of fitness and stamina.However, as time progressed and experienced gained, the Namibian boxers picked up the pace and won two medals in Mauritius.Kaperu further said that Indongo’s injury has since healed and he is back in contact training, adding that all three boxers are now in Thailand for another training camp and competition.Their next destination could either be Russia or India, but confirmation will be made at a later stage, he said.Kaperu said that the boxers might leave for China straight from Tunisia, as they do not want to interrupt the boxers’ momentum.He added that another training camp is planned for China from August 2-8 to acclimatise and to do the boxers’ final conditioning, before the Games start on August 8.Kaperu noted that the boxers are in high spirits and eager to fight with dignity during the Olympic Games.Nampa