By Carlos Kambaekwa
WINDHOEK
Namibia’s heir to the WBA Lightweight world crown Paulus “the Hitman” Moses is likely to enjoy his moment of glory on foreign soil.
Moses is the mandatory challenger for the WBA Lightweight crown and is in line to fight new champion Yusuki Kobori, after the Japanese boxer dethroned Jose Alfaro with a 3rd round technical knockout in their 10-round title bout in Tokyo, Japan earlier this week.
Well-known local boxing promoter Nestor Tobias, who also doubles up as Moses’ trainer, says he will leave no stone unturned in his bid to have the historic title fight staged in Namibia.
Tobias expressed concerns over the financial implications of staging the fight in Namibia and hinted that his camp might be able to solicit the required amount of money needed to stage a fight of such magnitude in Namibia.
“We need at least N$5-million to convince Kobori to defend his title against Moses here in Namibia and that amount is a tall order for us at the moment – but I will soon sit down with all the other stakeholders and map the way forward.”
Tobias will be flying out to Florida in the United States next week along with his United Kingdom-based agent Phillip Fondu. He is in a jovial mood to clinch a deal with world-renowned boxing promoter Don King for the bout to be staged in Namibia.
“I’m optimistic to strike a good deal with King and should be able to inform the nation about the details – even though I might not be in a position to announce the exact date and venue for the fight.”
Tobias strongly believes his boxer has what it takes to overcome Kobori and wrestle the title away from the Japanese boxer, but is quick to point out that Kobori is no punching bag.
“Personally, I think Alfaro is a far better boxer than Kobori, and his defeat culminated from a combination of complacency and overall wrong approach towards the bout. Hitman is extremely gifted and his hand speed and skill is second to none in his weight division.”