By Carlos Kambaekwa
WINDHOEK – Namibia’s undefeated World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa Junior Welterweight champion Julius “Blue Machine” Indongo, might not be the most entraining boxer around, but he is an incredible fighter for his 30 and looks destined to venture into the big time.
Any boxing fan with half a brain cannot be faulted for taking the bragging words of his trainer Nestor “Sunshine” Tobias seriously when the internationally acclaimed boxing promoter boasts that his protégé possesses what it takes to become a world champion in the not-too-distant future.
A few years ago, Indongo was just another amateur boxer content to represent his native land in high-profile international bouts such as the highly competitive Zone Six games, All Africa games, Africa Championships, Commonwealth and the Olympic games.
Indongo joined the paying ranks in 2009, at the matured age of 25, but soon established himself as a much sought-after commodity in boxing circles. He has since amassed an astonishing 16 straight wins, with half of the fights failing to go the full distance – certainly a remarkable feat.
We have been grooming him gradually since we were obliged to protect him because there are still some rough edges about his boxing style that needs to be polished. He must learn to be a bit aggressive and know when to deliver the killer punch when the situation demands,” says a confident Tobias.
In his last fight last year, Indongo made a serious statement and sent a warning to his doubters when he defeated the more streetwise Kaizer Mabuza from South Africa on points.
“Julius showed great maturity in that bout but what was more pleasing was his ability to take punches and deliver them with ferocity as well. The boy is blessed with a strong chin and has a big heart – an attribute of a world-class boxer,” adds Tobias.
He believes Indongo, is now ready to step up a gear and challenge for a place in the WBO rankings. His handlers are determined to get him into the top 15 world ranking.
“What he needs now is to fight against formidable opponents. Our ultimate aim is to get him challenge for a world title and being a police officer, the boy is very disciplined, which helps him a great deal to stay on the straight and narrow off the boxing ring.”
A Southpaw, Indongo has a good hand speed and his ability to unleash punches from awkward angles stands him in good stead. Tobias revealed that negotiations are at an advanced stage to organise an international bout for Indongo against a yet to be identified high-profile opponent before end of next month.