Namibia’s rising junior lightweight boxer, Flame ‘Special One’ Nangolo, is about to face his most formidable challenge yet against Zimbabwe’s Peter Pambeni in August.
The bout will take place at the Roman Catholic Hall in the capital, with the vacant WBA African lightweight title on the line. This electrifying contest is not just a fight, it’s a crucible where Nangolo’s determination will be tested like never before.
The 23-year-old boxer remains confident, acknowledging the seasoned veteran but remaining unfazed, saying he has been looking forward to fighting a boxer of Pambeni’s calibre.
Nangolo has an impressive record of 11 fights and 11 wins, and Pambeni boasts a record of 29 fights, 18 wins and 3 draws.
“I don’t know what to say, I am at a loss for words! I can’t thank my promoters enough for making this fight possible. Ever since I started my boxing career, I have fought tough opponents, and Pambeni is no different,” he said.
“I don’t think he is a threat; I have watched him fight here in Namibia. I know his fighting style, and I am not really amazed. He is a good boxer, but I don’t think this is my toughest opponent yet. It’s just a platform for both of us to showcase our skills, but I promise you I won’t leave this guy alone when we cross paths in the ring,” he said.
The veteran pugilist is no stranger to the Namibian boxing scene, as he has previously fought Namibian boxers such as Siegfried Kaperu, Junius Amunyela and Jeremiah Nakathila, who stopped him during their fight at Windhoek Country Club and Casino back in 2019.
Meanwhile, former WBA lightweight world champion Paulus ‘Hitman’ Moses, speaking on the sidelines after the press conference, expressed confidence in Flame’s abilities, believing he is destined for greatness.
“Flame is one of the most talented and disciplined boxers in the country, and I think he can challenge anyone in his weight category. He is a smart boxer, and we have a few things to iron out. I am always in the gym helping him with what to do, and what not to do. I am confident that the boy will one day challenge or fight for the world title,” said Moses. The bonanza will feature seven exciting bouts, including the notable return of Walter Kautondokwa, who is set to make his comeback since 2019 when he fell short against Chinese-Kazakhstani boxer Kanat Islam.
Speaking about his comeback, Kautondokwa expressed his happiness to return to the ring, adding that he has been training, despite not boxing. “I am a boxer, and it’s my mandate to stay ready and fit.
I have been training all along. I am in good shape, and I am just waiting to learn who my opponent is. I will be in the ring to deliver, come August,” he said.
Tickets are priced at N$200 per person, while a table for 10 is going for N$15 000. Promoter and owner of AC Boxing, Imms Moses, called on Namibians to support the event by purchasing tables or tickets.
“We have been doing this through our own funds without any headline sponsors because we love the sport, and care about its development.
We ask the nation to support us by buying a table or purchasing a single ticket,” Moses said.
“We always face the challenge of people wanting to buy tickets at the last minute, so we urge them to buy tickets on time.
This will be one of the biggest fights in the country, and all boxing fans from across the nation are invited to share this moment with us,” he said.
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na