The coach and owner of Kilimanjaro Boxing Club, Joseph Bernhard, says their boxing bonanza for this week will aim at nurturing talent that will compete in various international tournaments next year.
The leading northern stable will this Wednesday host a boxing bonanza at Okahao, which will strictly feature amateur boxers from the northern regions.
He said the bonanza will see boxers from his boxing club exchange leather with other boxers from various clubs and regions. Speaking on the aim of this bonanza, he said that with the number of amateur boxers declining, it is only right they stage such tournaments to scout more potential boxers.
“You know, in the past years, amateur boxing has seen a drastic decline in top amateur boxers, which is now worrisome to the national team. We have so many international competitions next year, such as the Olympics and the All Africa Games, where amateur boxers are expected to represent their countries, and looking at our boxers, we have a few capable candidates. So, we are hosting this event with more to come early next year, where we can help the federation discover potential boxers that will represent Namibia at upcoming events lined up for next year,” he said.
The coach said preparations are at an advanced stage and waiting on Wednesday for the main event. “I think we have done all the groundwork, and on Wednesday we will be ready for the bonanza. We will have more than 10 bouts on the night, so we expect top boxing to be on display,” he said.
On the way forward, he said, “We would like to have more coaching clinics next year to educate and give the basics of boxing skills to those who are aspiring to be boxers. Thanks again to MTC for making this possible,” he added.