Namibia’s featherweight boxer Nathanael ‘Natty’ Kakololo has expressed eagerness to return to the ring after being sidelined from three scheduled fights this year.

His most recent bout was in May last year when he faced Hedison Nghipondoka in Windhoek. He was then slated to fight in December during an MTC Salute Boxing Club event, but that fight was cancelled due to time constraints.

In February, this year, a fight against American Curmel Moton was also called off due to visa issues. 

Then, in March, he was scheduled for a 10-round lightweight international non-title match in Pretoria, South Africa against Kaine Fourie. 

However, Fourie suffered a shock first-round technical knockout defeat by Zambia’s Simon Ngoma, leading to the cancellation of the Kakololo fight.

“This doesn’t affect me much financially, but it has impacted my boxing career. Personally, I miss being in the ring, and I am sure my fans have missed seeing me in action,”

“On the financial aspect, I don’t think not having fights recently has hurt me much because I am a businessperson and self-employed, and that’s what I depend on most of the time. But it just hurts me that I have not stepped into the ring for almost seven months,” he said.

Asked what he has been up to, Kakololo said: “I am just in the ring sparring with fellow boxers, and ensuring I remain in shape until my next fight is announced. I know my coach and the entire stable are working tirelessly to secure a fight for me, and I am patient and waiting for my time,” he added.

His coach at Salute Boxing Academy, Joseph Hilongwa, confirmed they are working round the clock to ensure Kakololo gets back into the ring.

“Yes, we missed a number of fights, but as a team we are working to secure him a fight. He is just training to keep in shape. He is a good boxer, so something will come his way,” Hilonga said.

The 36-year-old former African Boxing Union (ABU) featherweight champion holds a professional record of 15 wins, 7 losses and 2 draws. 

–mkambukwe@nepc.com.na