WINDHOEK – Namibia’s World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa Cruiserweight champion, Vikapita ‘Beast Master’ Meroro, who was initially scheduled to face Franco Sanchez of Argentina in an International Cruiserweight bout, will now take on a new opponent in the shape of Walter David Cabral, also from Argentina.
Promoter Nestor Tobias announced the changes yesterday, saying Sanchez could no longer make it to Namibia because of legal matters he currently faces, which won’t allow him to travel outside Argentina.
With Meroro featuring in one of the main bouts of the ‘Final Punch To The World Title’ Boxing Bonanza, slated for the Katutura Independence Stadium on 4 October, the new opponent Cabral could prove to be more dangerous as he comes into the fight with an impressive win over the highly ranked Gonzalo Omar Basile. Cabral boasts a record of 29 fights, 19 wins and 10 losses.
“Gonzalo looks dangerous but Meroro is a class fighter currently ranked number 2 in the world and we are confident that he can take on anybody right now. I expect nothing less than a victory from Meroro and he knows what is at stake, as the sky will be the limit for him if he wins. We are collectively working hard to strategize for the upcoming fights because they will all lead us to the world titles,” said Tobias.
“I have taken note of the change of opponent and it does not really bother me – when you prepare for such a big fight you prepare for all eventualities. I am ready to knock down any opponent presented to me. I am not a man of many words, I enjoy conversing with my opponents in the ring because that is all that matters,” said a confident Meroro.
The Independence Arena will host the star-studded event, which will also see Namibia’s top-ranked boxers such as Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses, Tyson Ushona and Wilbeforce ‘Black Mamba’ Shihepo all in action. VIP tickets go for N$500 and standard tickets for N$100.