It took persistence, dedication and courage for Phillipus “Energy” Nghitumbwa to stop the stubborn Sabelo Ngebinyane of South Africa during their WBO Global super bantamweight title on Saturday night.
The fight between the two boxers was the main bout of the Together As One Part 8 Boxing Bonanza that was held at Ramatex in the capital.
The bout started off, on a positive note as both boxers exchanged blows that landed.
In the second round, Energy had some explosive punches on his challenger but Ngebinyane continued to remain doggedness as he also managed to land several blows.
The fight continued to move on the same momentum as both boxers showed no sign of slowing down, but in the eighth round, Energy started to show dominance as his opponent begun to protect himself from the strong punches. In the 10th round, Energy was showing no sign of stopping as he continued to put jabs on his opponent which he couldn’t take anymore. In the 11th round, he threw serious blows that the South African began to lose strength, right before his coaches threw in a towel.
Speaking after the fight, Energy said he knew he was going to successfully defend his title prior to the match, but however, acknowledge how much of a tough match and opponent he faced. He added that due to his persistence, he managed to successfully send his challenger to the cleaners.
“Great bout tonight, I would like to thank my fans and supporters, their support propelled me to retain my title. Jumping into the fight, it was not an easy one as the opponent was a good boxer who refused to give up despite all the punches that landed on him, but I had known that I will defend my title,” he said.
Meanwhile, Paulinus Ndjolonimus put on a great fight as he knocked out his Ghanaian challenger Delali Muledzi in the seventh round. He also defended his WBO Africa super middleweight. Meanwhile, Charles Shinima stopped Nigeria’s Tiwo Olowu in the sixth round with a technical knockout (TKO) to claim his WBO Africa welterweight title.
Mateus Heita also defeated Zimbabwe’s Hassan Milanzi in this sixth round with a TKO. Also fighting on the same night was Magaret Nepembe who defeated Onesmus Nekundi, while Andreas Shikongo claimed victory over Joseph Hihangwa with a TKO.
It was a tie between Sam Mathew and Silas Shanandjua, while Fredrich Nghutenanye defeated Tobias Ipinge.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na