Rudolf Gaiseb

THE Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (NPBWCB) held its first boxing awards ceremony at the National Theatre of Namibia in Windhoek on Saturday.

The spectacular awards ceremony bestowed honour on hard-working boxing personalities nominated in six categories and rewarded an additional four other categories of boxing trailblazers who walked away with massive cash prizes.

The Minister of Sports, Youth, and National Services, Agnes Tjongarero, said the prestigious event is not just about recognizing champions but also about engraving a new chapter in the rich tapestry of Namibian boxing.

“These awards are more than just a celebration; they are catalysts for growth, showcasing our talented athletes on the grand stage; we elevate the sport itself. This in turn attracts needed sponsorships and opportunities that will propel Namibian boxers onto the global stage.

“We believe the development will not only create value for the athletes but will also leave a lasting legacy and impact on their families, their communities, and the motherland, Namibia,” Tjongarero said.

The minister also highlighted that the awards embody the spirit of the late president Hage Geingob, who she says, had an unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and fostering inclusivity in all aspects of sports. 

The chairperson of the NPBWCB, Magreth Mengo, described the boxing awards as a dream come true.

“This is one of the key initiatives that we wanted to launch. It is a good platform to recognize the performance and the effort put in by boxing promoters, trainers, referees, the media, and the boxers themselves. We aim to be all-inclusive and break barriers in boxing, fostering harmony and enabling everyone to work together, enhancing the development of Namibian sportsmanship,” she said.

Mengo added that they are currently engaging Boxing South Africa to sign agreements on future exchange programmes between promotors, boxers, and referees of the two countries.

According to Mengo, the NPBWCB is also helping neighbouring Angola to establish professional boxing to gear up for many boxing bonanzas between the countries. 

The categories focused on honouring and rewarding boxers and other boxing personalities based on their performances in 2023.

The legendary and renowned former two-weight world champion, Harry Simon senior, opened the night by claiming the chairperson’s award. 

Simon senior, the former global boxer, walked away with a sum of N$30 000 in prize money. 

Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa made his big win as he took home the Boxer of the Year award. 

He said the win was unexpected and made him emotional but he attributed the victory to the long hours spent in the gym, adding that all the blood, tears, and sweat were worth it. 

Another major win went to Immanuel ‘AC’ Moses, who bagged both the Promotor of the Year and the Trainer of the Year awards. 

Paulus said this double win comes through unwavering dedication to the sport and his faith in God. 

The Special Recognition awards were also given to retired boxers Paulus ‘El Jesus’ Ambunda, Paulus ‘Hitman’ Moses and Julius ‘Blue Machine’ Indongo, as well as boxing promoters Nestor Tobias and Anita Tjombe.

The Knockout of the Year award was claimed by the undisputed boxer, Lineekela Nghifindaka while the distinguished Phillemon Myeya walked away with the Ring Official of the Year award.