Namibia’s leading boxing stable, MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy, yesterday announced that they will host their second boxing bonanza of the year on 17 August.
The boxing bill will take place at Windhoek Country Club Resort and will be headlined by Mateus Heita, who will square off against South Africa’s Thato ‘Captain Charisma’ Bonokoane in a WBA Pan-Africa featherweight title.
Heita, also known as ‘The Beast’, boasts an impressive record of 11 fights with 11 wins, with a total of seven knockouts, while his opponent Bonokoane has a total of 24 fights with 16 wins, six losses and two draws.
The South African pugilist is not new to Namibia’s boxing scene as he was here last year when he faced Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa in a fight Nghitumbwa won.
Speaking yesterday during the launch, Heita said he was happy to return to the ring and to challenge for the title. He said he has been training hard and is ready to showcase his skills.
“I want to thank my sponsors and promoter for making this happen. I have a chance to challenge for another title fight. I am grateful, and I will take this opportunity with both hands, and I will work hard so that I win this fight,” he said.
The bonanza will also see one of Namibia’s top fighters Jeremiah Nakathila taking on Tatenda Biningu of Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the same event yesterday, the 31-year-old Nakathila said he is ready for the fight.
“It’s always good news for me to return to the ring. I am happy. My promoters made this happen and all I can say is this will be a good test for me, as I am still trying to push my career to the next height. I am ready for my opponent. I know who he is, and I will do what I am good at,” he said.
Upcoming prospect Pieter Kotze, who featured at the stable’s last event in March, will again return to the ring as he is set to square off against Walvis Bay native Jonathan Groenewald in a light heavyweight three-rounder.
Kotze thanked local promoter Nestor Tobias for the opportunity.
“My last fight at the Dr Hage Geingob Tribute Boxing Bonanza at Ramatex was good, and it was a good test for myself. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nestor Sunshine Tobias Academy for the opportunity to hone my skills. I know this stable is one of the top boxing stables in the country and here I will prosper,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tobias said fans should expect fireworks as they hope to announce more boxing undercards. “This is going to be one of our best cards yet and I am asking all Namibian boxing fans to purchase their tickets on time and to come early. I know the main fight won’t take long, so I want fans to come on time,” he said.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na