Maurice Kambukwe
Namibian featherweight boxer Sakaria ‘Desert Storm’ Lukas drew against Mongolia’s Tugstsogt Nyambayar in New Jersey, the United States on Saturday night.
The fight was an undercard fight to the WBC featherweight title between Gary Russell Jr and Mark Magsayo, which saw the latter win.
Lukas was a late replacement for Vic Pasillas, who was out after a positive Covid-19 test.
The draw is Sakaria’s first since he went pro in 2011. He has won 25 fights (17 via knockout) and suffered only one loss thus far.
The Saturday fight was declared a split draw decision after judge Anthony Lundy scored the fight in favour of Lukas 96-94, while judge Ron McNair scored the fight 96-94 for Nyambayar and judge Robin Taylor scored it a draw, 95-95.
Although it was clear that Lukas (37) dominated proceedings, Nyambayar (29) landed some heavy punches with his left hand, which saw Lukas stumble before finding his balance.
As the fight entered the middle rounds, Lukas found his rhythm and was accurate with his right hand down the middle, landing some big punches, which saw Nyambayar stumble to the canvas.
Speaking after the fight, trainer and matchmakers, Imms ‘AC’ Moses expressed disappointment with the officials’ decision, saying his boxer was robbed and should have won the bout.
“I feel like that referee must never officiate in his career. The whole world saw it and the commission is deciding to suspend the referee or reverse the decision,” a dissatisfied Moses told New Era Sport.
He, however, was happy with the way Lukas conducted himself in the ring.
“Lukas put up a good performance even though it was short notice, in terms of being ready for the fight. We have been training although we were not preparing for any fight,” he said.
“Look at that punch that caught Desert Storm; it’s the conditioning that saved him, that’s why you need someone like that in your camp. I believe he is a warrior; he went out and gave it his all. I am happy for the team and what’s coming.”
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na