OSHAKATI – The long-awaited exhibition rematch between well-known boxer Hedison ‘Bulelo’ Nghipondoka and entertainer Paulus Ndjambi, also known as Get Rich, ended in a thrilling, but short match on Saturday at the Oshakati Independence Stadium.
The match ended in a no contest.
A no contest in boxing is a result declared when a fight ends for reasons outside the fighters’ control, without a winner or loser being determined. This can happen due to accidental fouls, injury, or other circumstances that make it impossible for the fight to continue fairly.
The fight, which was meant for fun and entertainment, drew a big crowd of fans from all over the region.
People came to see the exciting clash between a real boxer and a popular personality.
The match ended in the third round when the referee stopped the fight, and the judges declared it a ‘no contest’.
Armas Shivute, chairperson of Namibia’s Boxing and Wrestling Federation, said the fight was fair and followed the rules of an exhibition match.
“This was an exhibition match for entertainment, so there are rules to follow. When a trained boxer like Bulelo fights someone like Get Rich, who is not a professional, we must make sure it stays safe,” he said.
He added that in the third round, Bulelo started showing his boxing skills, and it became clear he had the upper hand.
Get Rich’s trainer then threw in the towel to stop the match and protect his fighter.
Damian Shuumbwa, a sports expert and radio presenter at Kari FM, supported the decision.
“Get Rich’s trainer made the right call. He saw his boxer was in trouble and acted to protect him,” Shuumbwa said.
He said the fight was meant to entertain, not to hurt anyone.
There was no winner, but the fight gave fans an unforgettable night of entertainment and sportsmanship.
“Get Rich showed a lot of courage, and Bulelo proved why he’s a top boxer in Namibia,” Shuumbwa added.
Meanwhile, Get Rich said he wanted to continue fighting until the final round because he did not feel the match was difficult.
He said that even though jabs landed on his stomach, it did not hurt him much because he got used to such hits during training. -vkaapanda@nepc.com.na