Windhoek
All logistics for Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda’s much awaited International Boxing Organisation (IBO) super bantamweight world title fight against Leandro Esperante of Argentina are in place – and it’s all systems go after both boxers were given a clean bill of health yesterday.
With both boxers having already signalled their intentions during a face-off press conference earlier this week, what was left to be done were the fight pre-fight weigh-in and various medical tests, which were all conducted yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s showdown.
Both fighters appeared in top shape and fully fit. It is a standard rule in boxing for boxers to meet the required weight limit. In this case the super bantamweight limit is 55.54kg and both boxers were nearly within the limit.
The two were only about 1kg over the weight at the pre-clash weigh-in and therefore are expected to make the official weight by today. Boxers are not allowed to fight above the required weight limit of a particular fight and if they are above the weight requirements they stand the chance of being stripped of their title, should they hold any.
The fight pre-fight weigh-in is also another important requirement in boxing, as it serves as the perfect platform for doctors to conduct various tests in order to detect any possible hazards.
The IBO super bantamweight world title fight is scheduled to take place at the Ramatex hall and the first bout will start at 18h00 sharp. General tickets are selling for N$100, VIP for N$500 and N$20 000 for a VVIP table seating 10 – with meals, refreshments and wine.
The likes of Paulus ‘Hitman’ Moses, Paulus ‘Rock’ Ambunda, and Betuel ‘Tyson’ Ushona will be the main attractions supported by other top Namibian champions like Japhet ‘Thin Man’ Uutoni, Julius ‘Blue Machine’ Indongo, Walter ‘Executioner’ Kautondokwa, Nathaniel ‘Sir’ Kamati, Mike ‘Silent Assassin’ Shonena, Sacky ‘Izinyoka’ Shikukutu and Jeremiah Nakathila.
“We are committed to give our fans the best entertainment to show appreciation for the support they have given us throughout the year and this is how we know best. We therefore want the fans to come out in numbers and support and enjoy world-class boxing. Boxing is a good form of entertainment, and that is why we put in a lot of effort when organizing events,” said promoter Nestor Tobias.
“Come the 1st of August we will have all professional boxers representing Namibia at a high level, putting Namibia on the world map. Our boxers did it before and they will keep on doing it for our beloved nation. They may be called professionals but they represent Namibia as anyone else.”
He added: “We will not charge normal ticket prices to give access to as many boxing fans as possible. General tickets will thus sell for N$100 and VIP tickets for N$500 only. The price tag on the tickets will only be to control the crowd and tickets will be on sale at Computicket countrywide as well.”