By Otniel Hembapu
WINDHOEK – Hundreds of boxing fans on Saturday left the Windhoek Country Club in anger and dismay after the much-hyped international bantamweight non-title fight between Joseph ‘Smokey’ Hilongwa and Argentinean opponent Raul Eliseo Medina failed to materialize.
Hilongwa, who also doubles up as a boxing promoter, revealed they had to cancel the bout at the last minute after the Argentinean camp sent them an email on Saturday morning that Medina wouldn’t be able to come anymore due to health implications.
The 35-year-old Medina was deemed medically unfit to leave his country after he only received a yellow fever vaccination two days before his departure date. Argentinean health experts insisted he should have at least been vaccinated six days prior to his departure.
Hilongwa further confirmed that the Argentinean’s flight ticket was still valid for three months and thus both camps had agreed to go ahead with the fight, saying it’s just a matter of finding a new venue and date for the fight.
But despite the hiccup, all under-card fights went ahead as scheduled with Abraham Ndaendapo retaining his African International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Featherweight title after overpowering an equally determined Bongani Mahlangu from South Africa.
Also in action was Albinus Felesianu who could only manage to scrape a draw against Cosmas Cheka after 12 rounds of heated action, thus leaving the IBF Africa, Middle East and Persian lightweight title still vacant.
In the super featherweight division, David Shinuna trounced Peter Phillipus, while Timoteus Shiluula also managed to score a victory when he defeated Sebby Sheuyange.
In the middleweight division, Alfeus Shilongo defeated Johannes Ndeshikeya to win their bout over 4 rounds. Meanwhile, Elvin Kaunampito and Isaac Anyala resulted in a second draw of the evening after 4 rounds.