The MTC Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy’s tribute event in honour of Namibia’s Founding President, Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, delivered a night of high-intensity boxing action at the Windhoek Showgrounds, with a twist of drama and dominance in equal measure.

In the headline Africa Super Bantamweight bout, Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa stormed through Zimbabwe’s Hassan Milanzi with a commanding second-round technical knockout. However, despite the convincing victory, Nghitumbwa was stripped of his title before stepping into the ring after failing to make the required weight during the official weigh-in. 

Weighing in about 700 grammes above the super bantamweight limit, Nghitumbwa was deemed ineligible to defend his title, rendering the belt vacant regardless of the bout’s outcome.

Milanzi, who made weight ultimately came up short but walks away from the fight with his record intact and the door now open for another shot at the now-vacant belt.

In another marquee clash, Mateus ‘The Beast’ Heita successfully defended his WBO Africa Featherweight title against South Africa’s Abdul-Aziz Kunert. The two warriors delivered a thrilling 12-round slugfest that had fans on the edge of their seats. Heita’s clean combinations and superior ring control saw him retain the title in a fight that further elevated his growing reputation.

Namibian star Paulinus “John-John” Ndjolonimus was forced to pull out of his anticipated 12-round super middleweight bout against South Africa’s Snamiso Ntuli. Ndjolonimus was absent from the official weigh-in, with his camp later confirming a flu diagnosis that ruled him out of action.

The undercard bouts provided their own share of fireworks and future prospects:

Jonathan Kasheeta edged Erikkie Erikkie by split decision after a hard-fought four-round super-flyweight contest. Martin Mukungu scored a fifth-round knockout victory over Halweendo Nicano in their lightweight bout. Nicano, although floored, recovered well post-fight.

Amateur action saw Joseph Nashikange and Pieter Kotzee fight to a draw over three rounds.

David Johannes claimed a split decision win against Nestor Amukoto in the welterweight division.

Frederick Nghutenyane dispatched David Shinuna with a second-round TKO in a dominant performance.

Uneekela Nghifindaka outpointed Immanuel Andeleki in a junior lightweight bout.

In the Namibian super-flyweight bout, Erastus Shapaka was crowned champion after defeating Tobias Amunyela on points.

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na