Undefeated World Boxing Organisation (WBO) super featherweight champion Flame ‘Special One’ Nangolo has hit the ground running in Las Vegas, expressing confidence that he will be in the best shape of his career ahead of his highly anticipated title defence in August.
The fast-rising Namibian star, who arrived in the fight capital of the world last week, has since engrossed himself in a rigorous training routine, working under elite conditions to fine-tune his skills for the much-anticipated bout, which will take place at the Roman Catholic Hall in Windhoek.
Speaking exclusively from his Las Vegas base, Nangolo said the intense training programme is already bearing positive results, and the opportunity to spar with multiple partners daily is keeping him sharp and adaptable.
“I train three times a day, and each day I spar with different partners. This gives me different options and challenges it keeps me on my toes and helps me adjust quickly. I believe I’ll be in the best shape of my life come fight night,” Nangolo confidently said.
While his partner is yet to be announced, Nangolo remains focused only on his preparations. “I’m not worried about who it is. My job is to stay ready, and right now, everything is going according to plan. The camp here is world-class, and I’m learning a lot. I can’t wait to put on a show for my people back home,” he added.
The training camp is made possible through a partnership between his Namibian promoter Immanuel ‘AC’ Moses, sponsor TrustShield Insurance Brokers and renowned American boxing manager Sean Gibbons of Knuckleheads Boxing.
Meanwhile, his promoter and coach Moses described the training stint as a crucial phase in Nangolo’s career, saying it will elevate him to new heights ahead of the upcoming title defence.
“This is a very important camp for him before such a big fight. With the infrastructure, advanced equipment and quality sparring partners he’s exposed to here, it will place him in a great position to become one of the biggest names in boxing,” Moses said.
“He has already shown tremendous improvement in his skills, positioning, and overall boxing. He’s currently ranked 25th in the WBO rankings, and a successful title defence could see him break into the top 15. A boxer of his calibre deserves every opportunity to reach the very top,” Moses added.
Moses further stated that training in the United States, with access to superior facilities and experienced sparring partners, is an essential step in shaping Nangolo into a world-class fighter.
“We had to switch up the training programme, and this decision will certainly help him grow into an even greater boxer. I’m happy with his progress so far.”
Nangolo is expected to return home in July to wrap up his final preparations before the 2 August showdown in the capital. The 24-year-old boxer boasts a record of 13 fights and 13 wins with hopes to extend his record when he returns to the ring in August.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na