Rumble in desert set to sparkle

DESPITE a younger age, less fights and a slight difference in weight, Namibia’s champion boxer Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses, has no intention to fail his home fans when he defends his WBA lightweight world title against Japan’s Takehiro Shimada on Saturday.

Moses vowed that he will make ‘everyone happy’ on Saturday, when he steps into the ring for his first world title defence since he won it against Japan’s Yusuke Kobori in Yokohama earlier this year.’You must come and support me. You must come in big numbers. But all I can tell you now is that I will not disappoint you. I will make you very happy because I am more than ready for this fight and I am going to win it,’ said Moses.Moses is now only 31 years of age, seven years younger than his opponent, while he has a fantastic record of 24 wins without a loss, while the Japanese fighter is more experienced with 28 fights, of which 23 are wins.Yesterday, Moses stood at 63,20 kilograms, while Shimada recorded 63,85kg during a medical examination conducted by Theresia Tjivera, a local medical doctor.The two boxers passed the examination after Tjivera tested their blood pressure, pulses, heartbeats and respective lung conditions. They also went through a nose, ear and throat examination, while blood tests were also done to check for any illnesses, especially Hepatitis B. They were both declared fit to fight.Also at the testing, Moses said he appreciated the efforts by his trainer and top Namibian boxing promoter and manager, Nestor Tobias for bring the first ever world title fight to Namibia.DESERT RUMBLEThe fight is dubbed ‘The Rumble in the Namib Desert’ and according to Moses, he will make it worthwhile for everyone, as he is going to punch his way to victory.’There is no other chance for me to prove that I am capable and worth the title that I have. I will go out there and do my business in the ring. And that is to win at all costs,’ he said.Shimada, who spoke through an interpreter, said he is no longer preparing for the fight, as he has done that already in Japan. ‘I am here to fight. I prepared in Japan already and am ready for the battle,’ said Shimada, who is also nicknamed ‘Sumarai.’Shimada has never fought for a world title before, despite plotting his way to a championship belt for the past 12 years.Moses shot to stardom at the age of 29, when he won the Pan African lightweight title and that belt made him one of the most feared boxers on the African continent.His attempt at the world title and landing it against Kobori in January this year, has now made him the most sought-after boxer in the world.Moses is already in the camp of world-renowned boxing promoter, Don King, of the United States and with the current great form and good record, he is destined for a bright future.Meanwhile, Tobias encouraged interested public members to hurry as the tickets for the showdown are drying up.He also thanked all the sponsors, the Namibian government, various other stakeholders and the media for supporting the event.The tickets for the ringside VIP cost N$500, while the middle section goes for N$300, with the grand stand set for N$150 per person.Tickets can be acquired through the Namibia Boxing Federation at 061 255 940 or by calling 081 245 3349.corry@namibian.com.na