MTC holds boxing indaba with boxing stables

WINDHOEK, JULY 22 – In what is tipped to become an annual get-together between sponsored MTC boxing stables with boxers and trainers, MTC last week met with the boxing fraternity from three boxing stables for a crunch course on the sponsor’s expectations and general discussions between the parties.

MTC last year took on boxing stable Salute Boxing and Fitness Academy to split sponsorship purse with the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy. This year, the ICT solution provider absorbed another northern-based stable, the Kilimandjaro Boxing Academy.

Last week’s boxing indaba in the capital shared light on the technicalities around branding, boxer’s discipline in and out of the ring, titles, purse money, and generally what MTC expects from the boxing stables.

MTC’s Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer Tim Ekandjo led the discussions with MTC’s expectations are as far as branding is concerned. Ekandjo explained that while MTC is clear about branding, there is also room for co-branding, taking into mind that boxers might have personal sponsors who help them meet their needs on a daily basis.

“We are aware that boxers might have personal sponsors. All we are saying it that these must be communicated to the promoters and then to the sponsors. We should know, especially when they want to also brand your trunk,” Ekandjo told the boxers.

Also on branding, Ekandjo pleaded with promoters to ensure that there should be proper branding at all boxing events, while also advising that events should start on time.

“The events must start on time. This is the same with press conferences and information must be communicated clearer with the media. We also want to see proper promotional plans.”

Boxing stables have been flumped with bitter relationships between boxers and promoters, with some jumping ship against their contractual oaths. Ekandjo called on both parties to iron out their differences and not put the investment to waste.

“Respect your contracts, and this goes out to both the promoters and boxers. We do not want to see boxers leaving stables after so much money was invested in them. Whether they leave to another MTC-sponsored stable, it does not sit well with us.”

“The same goes with payments. Please pay your boxers on time. If you are unable to, communicated to the boxers and tell them why you cannot and when they will be paid. We don’t expect boxers to go fight and not get paid.”
While calling on the three stables to compete and foster a healthy competitive relationship, Ekandjo stressed that Namibia’s best talents sits in boxing, but while this is so, the politics and infightings can destroy it too. – NDN Staffer