Matheus wins IBO International bantamweight title

WINDHOEK, 23 JUL – Namibia’s national super bantamweight title holder, Jonas Matheus, was on Sunday crowned the International Boxing Organization (IBO) International bantamweight champion after defeating Makazole Tete on points in Mthatha, South Africa.
Matheus, who began boxing in 2010 and represented Namibia at the 2012 London Olympic Games, beat home favourite Tete of South Africa over 12 rounds of boxing for the coveted belt.
Matheus, who outpointed his opponent, improved his record to 11 wins, two defeats and one draw from his 14 fights bouts thus far.
Speaking to Nampa on Sunday, matchmaker Joseph ‘Smokey’ Hilongwa said the fight was tough but he is happy Matheus came out victorious.
“This was Jonas’ second fight outside the country and I am proud of the work he put in while in the ring as he showed dedication and determination despite fighting away from home,” he said.
Hilongwa added that the win is a positive move in the boxer’s career and it also shows how much work was put in by the boxer and his stable, Salute Boxing Academy.
“Winning away from home is not easy but when I was asked to look for Tete’s opponent, I knew exactly who to choose for him as they thought they will just get someone who he was going to give a beating but based on the hard work shown by Matheus in the gym, I knew he would cause an upset, which he really did,” said Hilongwa.
The matchmaker told this agency that it’s still too early to talk about what the future holds for the new IBO International bantamweight title holder, but that they remain positive.
The team is expected to return to Namibia on Monday.
(NAMPA)