Tete fight a sparring session: Matheus

WINDHOEK, 24 JUL  – Recently-crowned International Boxing Organisation (IBO) International Bantamweight champion Jonas Matheus says Makazole Tete did not offer him any challenge during their fight in Mthatha, South Africa on Sunday.
Speaking to the media through an interpreter upon his arrival in Windhoek on Monday, Matheus said his opponent showed signs of fear during the fight.
“When I looked into his eyes, he was scared. He did not fight like someone who was in front of his fans. His morale was down. I started pressurising him and he offered little or no resistance and I took advantage of the opportunity. It was like a sparring session for me,” he said.
His coach, Elifas Namundjebo said when they accepted the fight three weeks before the date, people thought their chances of winning were slim.
“Our boxers are always ready, hence we took the fight at short notice. Tete is not an easy boxer, he comes from a boxing family which includes Zolani the current World Boxing Organisation Bantamweight champion,” he added.
Namundjebo said Matheus followed the game plan throughout the fight against a very good technical fighter.
Salute Boxing Academy chairperson Kiriata Kamanya said Matheus’ victory is testimony to the hard work boxers from the stable are putting in in the gymnasium and the good job the support staff is doing in the background.
“This is evidence of our hard work. We will continue working hard to produce more champions,” he said.
Matheus, the current national super Bantamweight title holder, outpointed his opponent to improve his record to 11 wins, two defeats and one draw from his 14 fights.
It was his second fight outside the country.
(NAMPA)