Shidjuu goes for the big time

NAMIBIAN boxer Abnerk Shidjuu is set to hit the big time when he takes on England’s Chris Edwards for the vacant Commonwealth flyweight title in the United Kingdom on February 19.

Shidjuu, who is managed by Namibian boxing promoter and trainer Nestor Tobias, will have a chance to become only the second boxer to vie for the Commonwealth title after Ali ‘Silent Assassin’ Nuumbembe, who held the welterweight belt.Shidjuu, relatively inexperienced with nine wins from 11 pro fights, stands a good chance of making the grade against his opponent who has raked in more fights during his career.Edwards has a record of 30 fights, 13 wins, 14 losses and three draws in the paid ranks.Tobias said Shidjuu was patient enough to wait for his chance and this title will see him climb the professional ladder in boxing.’He is now ready to join the stable of other professional Namibian boxers who have fought for big titles. This is his time and he has to take the chance,’ said Tobias, himself a former boxer.Shidjuu has only lost twice and has two draws and most of his rounds in the pro ranks were completed in the boundaries of the country except one in South Africa last year.Shidjuu, who like many other Namibian boxers says much at pre-match events, said he was fit and ready to fight.’I am well prepared, and fit. I have no injury and I will come back with the title because it belongs to Namibia,’ he said.Nestor leaves with Shidjuu early next week to prepare for the fight in Manchester.MORE BOXING Meanwhile, Tobias announced that his academy, the Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Boxing and Fitness Academy, will host the ‘Independence Celebration and Night of Rematch’ boxing bonanza in Windhoek on March 20.Tobias announced that there will be eight fights on the cards on the night and the main bout will feature Betuel ‘Tyson’ Uushona against fellow Namibian Tommy Hango in a rematch for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Africa title over 12 rounds. Uushona also holds the World Boxing Organisation Africa title.In another rematch, Abraham Ndaedapo takes on counterpart Gottlieb Ndokosho for the junior lightweight national title to be decided over 10 rounds, while Sacky ‘Izinyoka’ Shikukutu has a date with South Africa’s Norman Tshisakawe.Shikukutu was knocked out in the first round by the South African in Walvis Bay last year and this time he will seek revenge as they once again square up for the pro junior welterweight title. Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda will be challenged by South Africa’s Ntobeko Duma for his WBO bantamweight title for the first time. The fight will be decided over 12 rounds and will serve as the main supporting bout.In other fights, Vikapita ‘Beast Master’ Meroro comes up against Zimbabwean Wesley Macdade in a light-heavyweight pro fight, while Samuel Kapapu takes on fellow countryman Peter Malakia in a lightweight six-rounder.Junius Indongo fights against Festus Nghidinwa, who is a two-time national champion, for another lightweight title, while Immanuel Naindjala has to navigate his way past Mathew Toli from South Africa in a bantamweight fight over four rounds. corry@namibian.com.na