Bravery Kabula
At 25, Ipinge ‘Full-Force’ Paulus is killing two birds with one stone – not only is he acing the books, but he is also giving knockouts in the boxing ring.
The lightweight boxer is currently redoing Grade 12 while continuing to build his professional boxing career. For Paulus, finishing school is not separate from boxing. It is part of the future he is trying to build for himself.
“School is important to me. Boxing is my passion, but I also want to complete my Grade 12 and have something strong behind my name,” he said.
What started as a hobby has grown into a full-blown passion, shaping not just his skills in the ring but his confidence and discipline outside it.
“I realised boxing is more than a hobby when I noticed how it changed my confidence, discipline, and overall lifestyle,” Paulus said.
He was introduced to the sport by his two coaches, John Mbenge and Sylvester Tuhafeni, who taught him the fundamentals and the art of boxing.
“I run to keep fit because fitness is everything in boxing. If your body is not ready, a three-minute round can feel like one hour,” he said.
Balancing school and boxing is not easy. Mornings start with studies, followed by intense training sessions later in the day. However, Paulus believes the sacrifice is worth it.
Today, Paulus trains at John Mbenge Boxing Club in the Goreangab area under their guidance, focusing on team building, skill development, conditioning, and strategy.
His journey in the ring has not been without its challenges. Local boxing in Namibia often struggles with low pay, lack of sponsorship, poor training facilities, and few fight opportunities.
“Boxing is a dangerous sport, and we don’t get enough support from sponsors or authorities, so big companies in Namibia need to support boxing so it can continue growing,” he said. Paulus’s first official fight, he recalls, was a mix of fear and adrenaline, a lesson that training alone could not teach.
“You have to train your mind to be stronger than your body, otherwise a three-minute round feels like an hour,” he said.
Currently competing in the lightweight division (61.2 kilograms), Paulus has had 23 amateur fights and four professional fights with one win, one draw, and two defeats. He describes his current form as “exciting,” with several top contenders in his sights and hopes for a big fight in 2026.
Outside the ring, Paulus emphasises humility and discipline.
“I say no to domestic violence, I respect everyone, and I believe discipline can save you from many problems, and before stepping into the ring, my focus is always on positivity, and my aim is not to hurt my opponent, it’s only to win,” he said.
Namibian boxing is showing strong signs of growth, with several world-rated boxers emerging from the country and gyms like MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy producing top talent.
Furthermore, Paulus sees boxing as more than a career.
“Boxing can keep young people away from the streets, alcohol, and drug abuse; it also teaches discipline and can change communities, especially in disadvantaged areas,” he said.
For young people starting out, his advice to them is to simply prioritise the basics over power, find a reputable gym, and understand that boxing is as much a mental challenge as a physical one, and that success comes from consistency, not just raw talent.Looking ahead, Paulus has ambitious plans, including fighting abroad and aiming for the WBO. He acknowledges the obstacles but remains determined. He also believes that challenges are everywhere, that life is a test, and that everyone will eventually face them. To his fans, he has a clear message: “Support your sports, don’t say bad things about boxers when they lose, considering how much boxing is a dangerous sport, unlike football or basketball,” he said.
He also emphasised that he holds massive respect for all his fans.
-mathebravery@gmail.com