Former World Boxing Association (WBA) Pan-African Super Bantamweight champion Mateus Heita has issued a stern warning to his opponent, promising to send him back to his native country without a title.

Heita is set to face South Africa’s Thato ‘Captain Charisma’ Bonokoane this Saturday for the WBA Pan-Africa Featherweight title at the Windhoek Country Club and Casino in the capital.

During a face-off event held yesterday at the ministry of sport, the 26-year-old boxer expressed gratitude to his team – the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing Academy, including his coaches and sparring partners-for their unwavering support throughout his preparation. He acknowledged that the journey to get in shape wasn’t easy, but he’s proud of the work they’ve put in.

Speaking about this weekend’s bout, Heita said he is ready both mentally and physically, and is eager to exchange punches with his opponent in the ring. “As you can see, it’s time for us to fight, and I am ready. Getting another chance to fight at this level is something I am truly grateful for. To my opponent, I’m ready for him, and I will make sure he returns home empty-handed. Come Saturday, I will emerge victorious. I believe he just came to collect his paycheck and head back home,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bonokoane, who boasts a record of 24 fights with 16 wins, six losses and two draws, expressed confidence ahead of Saturday’s encounter. 

He added that he would let his actions do the talking in the ring. “We can prepare as much as we can, but things can always change. I am looking forward to fighting the beast, but it’s dangerous for him to overlook me, especially after the loss I encountered the last time I was here,” Bonokoane said.

The bout will be supported by Jeremiah Nakathila, who will face Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Biningu. At the press conference yesterday, Nakathila said he is excited to fight at home again. He added that his training has gone well over the past few months, and it’s time to showcase what they’ve worked on in the gym. “To my opponent, I am ready for him. I urge fans to buy tickets, and come witness boxing at the highest level,” he said.

Also on the lineup this Saturday, promising boxer Pieter Kotze will square off against Philipus Shikongo in a light- heavyweight division three-rounder, while in the junior lightweight division, six rounder, Martin Mukungu will take on David Shinuna. 

In the bantamweight division, six- rounder, Nestor Tomas will square off against Jonathan Kasheta. 

Meanwhile, in the super-flyweight division, Erastus Shapaka will take on Tobias Amunyela in a four-rounder bout. Sam Mathew will then exchange leather against John Shitilitha in a featherweight division six-rounder. 

In the welterweight division, Nestor Amukoto will take on Jonas Jonas in a four-round bout. 

In the lightweight division four- rounder, Tangeni Salomon will take on Paulus Ipinge, while Martin Kampula will take on Filemon Erastus in a junior- lightweight division four-rounder. 

Tickets are available for N$200, while tables are going for N$20 000. 

–mkambukwe@nepc.com.na