Maqonda Ndlovu
Namibia’s Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa is set to fight China’s Zhong Liu for the World Boxing Organisation’s (WBO) Regional Super Bantamweight 12 rounds in the Independence Boxing Bonanza on 23 March at Ramatex.
This will be the main bout of the annual Independence Boxing Bonanza, with the rest of the card set to be announced in due course.
Speaking to this publication yesterday, the founder and promoter of the Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy, Nestor Tobias, said Liu is a good fighter who was ranked 15th in the world by the WBO before his controversial unanimous decision defeat to Sam Goodman in Sydney, Australia.
“Liu is a good fighter. He was undefeated going into the fight against Goodman in Australia. He would want to use this fight against ‘Energy’ as a step back into the top 16. Energy would like to use this fight to improve his rankings so he can challenge for a world title. So, it will be a humdinger of a fight,” Tobias, who also doubles as a coach, said.
He said as a stable, they would not take such a big fight if the boxer is not fit, adding that ‘Energy’ has been preparing for this fight even during the festive season.
“He fought in December against Thato Bonokoane, during the festive season, he did a bit of road work. He was back in the gym by 4 January. He will be in top shape come fight night,” Tobias said.
Meanwhile, the maverick boxing promoter said the fight will allow Namibia and China to cement their relationships on the sporting front.
“This will be the first time Namibia and China engage on the sporting front in Namibia. The two countries have always engaged on the business and political front. But with Liu coming to Namibia, this is an opportunity for the Chinese business community to invest in Namibian youth and sport,” Tobias said.
He called on the Chinese business community to be part of the historic fight, saying that the fact that the fight will fall on Namibia’s Independence week will further cement the ties between the countries.
Lui has an impressive record of 20 fights, 19 wins, and one defeat, while ‘Energy’ has 17 fights, 15 wins, and two defeats.