WINDHOEK – Namibia’s internationally acclaimed boxing promoter Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias yesterday heaped praise on all stakeholders who made the recent Outapi Boxing Bonanza a memorable and successful event, saying the academy has more up its sleeve for other regions as well.
The Outapi Boxing Bonanza, which was held over the weekend in the town for the first time, attracted more than 4 000 spectators and all available tickets were sold, with hordes of boxing fans from various towns in the Omusati Region braving the rain as they flocked to the Olufuko Centre to witness firsthand Paulus ‘Hitman’ Moses successfully defending his title.
Tobias said the attendance in Outapi speaks volumes of how the academy is achieving its goal of taking boxing to the masses across Namibia, adding that they will continue with their quest to host professional boxing tournaments in towns across other parts of the country.
The award-winning promoter also used the opportunity to hail all boxers for putting up a great showing that saw most of them winning their respective bout in astonishing fashion, urging them to work hard and improve their rankings with every opportunity that comes their way.
Izinyoka to fight in UK on March 29
Meanwhile, Namibia’s WBO Africa interim welterweight champion Sacky ‘Izinyoka’ Shikukutu is set to challenge British boxer Frankie Gavin for the Commonwealth welterweight title on March 29 at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle.
Shikukutu, who will fight Gavin in the main supporting bout to Stuart Hall’s IBF world bantamweight title defence against Martin Ward, boasts a record of 18 wins, two losses and one draw from 21 fights while his impressive CV is complimented by 12 knockouts.
As for the Briton, Gavin will be putting his Commonwealth title on the line for the third time in a row against the tough Shikukutu who is ranked 14th by the WBO. It will be a crucial fight for undefeated Gavin (28), who is ranked 5th by the WBO, as he targets a world title shot this year after signing a new promotional deal with promoter Frank Warren last month.
By Otniel Hembapu