Namibia does not have enough boxers for national titles

WINDHOEK, 24 JUL  – Local boxing experts say Namibia does not have enough boxers to challenge each other for national titles.
Speaking to Nampa after public queries on why there were no local boxers facing each other to fight for national titles like in other countries, the experts said there is no depth per weight division in local boxing.
Nestor Tobias of the Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy said there is no competition in different weight classes, hence the absence of these fights.
“Currently, there are a couple of national champions, but guys like Shonena (Mike), Uushona (Tyson) and Kautondokwa (Walter) have no match in the local boxing circles. There is nothing for them locally, so they focus on international fights,” he explained.
He added that it is always good to fight for national titles, as long as there are quality challengers.
Tobias also noted it is cheaper to fight locally and it gives the boxers national pride.
He further said boxers must plan their boxing careers properly by sparring in the gymnasium first then going for four-rounders before challenging for national titles.
This will in turn push them to challenge for African and international titles before fighting for world championships.
His views were echoed by Immanuel Moses of African Connection Boxing and Fitness Academy, who said focusing of development will help flood the various weight classes with boxers, resulting in national titles.
Moses said it is unfortunate that most boxing gyms were focusing more on African and world titles rather than local development as evidenced by the fact that the current best boxers in the country are over 30 years old.
“Promoters and match makers cannot make local fights at the moment because we do not have enough boxers. That is why they only focus on these international fights. We must commit to producing more boxers at amateur weight before we allow them to turn professional,” he added.
Kinda Nangolo of Kinda Promotions laid the blame on the Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board, saying ever since they took office, the current board has failed to rate boxers.
“The board must rate the boxers and force them to challenge each other for national titles. They must communicate with the stakeholders and promote boxing genuinely,” he said.
Board chairperson Ellison Hijarunguru added his voice to the debate, saying promoters have not come to them to ask for these fights to be sanctioned.
“We cannot just order the boxers to fight for national titles, the promoters must approach us. These national titles are very important as they add value to the boxers’ resumes,” he said.
According to the board’s acting administrator, Hendrik Mapele, there are currently 11 national champions on their books.
These are Jonas Matheus, Tyson Uushona, Peter Malakia, Samuel Kapapu, Julius Indongo, Onesmus Nekundi, Gabriel Imalwa, Nathaniel Kakololo, Sakaria Lucas, Vakufilapo Wilhelm and Jatoorora Tjingavete.
(NAMPA)