One of Namibia’s top boxing prospect Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa, is set to return to the ring to face South Africa’s Thatho Bonakoane for the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa Super bantamweight title on 2 December 2023, in Windhoek.
The Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy stated in a media statement that Nghitumbwa returns to the ring in an effort to revive his chances of winning a world championship.
Nghitumbwa lost to John Riel Casimero of the Philippines in May via a unanimous decision, with the three judges scoring the fight 114-112, 116-110, and 116-110.
In that fight, ‘Energy’ was put down once in the sixth round by Casimero, before the match referee deducted a point from the Namibian for using a rabbit punch.
A rabbit punch is a blow to the back of the head or to the base of the skull.
“This bout will be very entertaining since both boxers are very strong fighters. This will be a fight full of action and certainly it will end in a knockout in the later rounds. Bonakoane is the current World Boxing Federation World Champion with a record of 21 fights, 15 wins, five loses and one draw. This fight means a lot to Energy as he is Namibia’s flagship boxer and our future world champion,” the statement said.
Nghitumbwa has a record of 12 wins and two defeats, while Bonakoane’s record is 14 wins, five defeats and three draws.
Nestor Tobias, promoter and head trainer of MTC Sunshine Boxing Academy, said they are very excited to secure such a quality and suitable opponent for their boxer.
“Energy was obviously very disappointed in losing his close fight with Casimero but we assured him that we would get him another opportunity to redeem himself like we did for our former champions. Time is now, and this time Energy should shine as this does not get better than fighting a high-profile fight to get back in the top 15 world ratings,” Tobias said via the statement.
Meanwhile, Nghitumbwa is very optimistic about his chances against a good boxer like Bonakoane.
“I am extremely excited to get a second chance to redeem myself. I respect his record and his pedigree, but I will come with my own as my dream is to fight the best to become the best, and this is my opportunity to go back to the top to challenge for the world title,” said Energy.
The boxing match will take place at the Windhoek Country Club.
Tickets will go for N$200 for general seats, while a VIP table for 10 guests with wine and dinner is going for N$20 000.