WINDHOEK – Namibia’s award-winning boxing promoter Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias, hailed his boxers for a job a well done following last weekend’s spectacular performances during the international boxing bonanza at Omuthiya, which saw Namibia’s top three boxers winning their respective title bouts in convincing fashion.
Tobias expressed satisfaction with the overall performance and commitment of the boxers, particularly those who featured in the three main bouts namely Paulus Ambunda, Tyson Ushona and Vikapita Meroro. According to him Namibian boxers have reached the peak of professional boxing and have time and again shown their readiness to take on any credible opponent available. Ambunda successfully redeemed himself, when he outpointed Chilean opponent Cristian Palma in their World Boxing Association (WBA)/International Boxing Federation (IBF) unification bout, while Tyson Ushona (WBO Africa Welterweight champion) and Vikapita Meroro (WBO Africa Cruiserweight champion) also successfully defended their respective titles in astonishing fashion.
Tobias, who expressed satisfaction with the attendance of the boxing extravaganza, also extended his personal thanks to Prime Minister Hage Geingob and others for their unwavering support and confidence in the abilities of local fighters. “Despite the small technical failures in terms of electricity supply during the event, it was a fantastic evening for everyone and even the Prime Minister and all spectators withstood the chilly weather to witness firsthand as their champions put up greats shows. We sincerely apologize for the electricity outage problems that occurred and it will serve as a learning experience going forward,’’ said Tobias.
Setting aside speculation about a possible fight between Tyson Ushona and WBO Welterweight world champion Manny Pacquiao for the world title, Tobias said Pacquiao was recently declared as a ‘Super’ world champion by the WBO and that basically means Tyson will still fight for the Welterweight world title, but as a ‘regular’ world champion against a lesser ranked boxer yet to be announced. Meanwhile, Tobias said the academy will host a boxing tourney at the Independence Arena in Katutura on June 7, where amateur and professional boxers will entertain spectators with some thrilling action. The main draw of the day will be the National Welterweight title bout fight between Jaatorora Tjingaveta and Peter Malakia.
By Otniel Hembapu