WINDHOEK – Despite having outpointed Peter ‘The Butcher’ Malakia to claim the vacant National Junior Welterweight title in the main bout of the ‘Local is Lekker’ boxing bonanza on Saturday at the Windhoek Independence Arena, Jatoorora ‘Sting’ Tjingaveta will not be crowned national champion, nor will he receive the title belt since he was overweight with 500g going into the fight.
Promoter Nestor Tobias revealed the news to New Era Sports, saying he was disappointed with the outcome since boxers are usually alerted beforehand to ensure they weigh-in at the required weight before and on the fight date. “Due to the circumstances, both boxers’ camps agreed to go ahead with the fight and as per international rules and standards, if the fight is to go ahead the overweight boxer pays 10% of his fight earnings over to his opponent and is not handed the title belt even though he has won. As for Tjingaveta, its back to the gym to see what else we can organize for him. He is a quality boxer with lots of potential, so good things are coming very soon,” said Tobias.
Speaking to New Era Sports after his resounding victory, a not-too-concerned Tjingaveta expressed satisfaction with his overall performance, saying it was a very easy fight and the only thing missing was to deliver a much-desired knockout. Tjingaveta, who former Lightweight fighter, fought in the Junior Welterweight division only for the second time and says having moved to the new division, his speed and strength have improved remarkably and Saturday’s performance is testimony to that. “I really had no trouble handling Malakia, my defense and attacking tactics were good. I was also impressed with my speed and movement. All that really gives me a great deal of confidence going forward,” said the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Africa Lightweight champion. “For now I will go back to the gym and work harder. I’m sure my promoter will have something for me in the near future, but I’m confident bigger fights and tougher opponents are coming. I don’t want to aim too high for now, I’m just taking it one day at a time.’’
In the under-card fights, Walter ‘The Executioner’ Kutondokwa made easy work of his bout against Theophilus Vatileni with a 1st- round knockout in their Middleweight National title bout, while Mike Shonena defeated Tommy ‘The Lion’ Hango in the Welterweight division. In the Junior Lightweight division, Sebastian Nataniel trounced Manfred Hambanga, while Domimulous Weulu and Enkala Amos drew their Featherweight 4-rounder. Lukas Handivele and Erwin Kauuampito also drew their Featherweight fight. Kennedy Kamati defeated Eriki Kalenga to win their Lightweight bout, while Matthew Johannes and Seblon Sheuyange’s Featherweight fight also ended in a draw. Sacky Shipanga overpowered Ristoh Ashikoto to win their Flyweight bout, while Jacob Jacob put up a splendid performance to brush aside Simon Nangolo in the Flyweight division.
By Otniel Hembapu