Trofimus Johannes of the MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club fulfilled expectations by defeating Kapembe Johannes from the After School Boxing Club during the weekend’s boxing bonanza.

The event, held at the Oshakati Independence Stadium, also served as a community engagement initiative to encourage voter turnout in the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections.

It featured about 20 bouts, as various boxers from different boxing clubs around the northern parts of the country battled it out for top honour. Johannes headlined the bonanza, winning the bout on points to secure a decisive win against a formidable opponent. 

In an interview yesterday, an elated Johannes attributed his win to his hard work and dedication. “I am proud to have won the main bout against my opponent. He is a very good fighter coming from a very well known amateur club. I knew he had skills and techniques, but I also had a job I needed to get done, and that was to edge him off,” he said. 

When asked about the way forward, he said: “I will continue being a hardworking and disciplined boxer, from here, I will go back to the gym and continue improving. Not sure yet of turning pro, but it’s a decision I will have to make with my trainer, and my guardians I think.” 

Also in action on Saturday was Jonas Likius from MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club who defeated Abner Shingulu from Oshakati Boxing Club in the first round. Meanwhile, 21 Brigade’s Sililo Armstrong beat Haimbodi Seun from Kilimanjaro on points to claim victory. 

Joseph Bernhard, the founder of MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club described the event as a huge success. “The stadium was full, and boxing fans came out in numbers and showed their support. We had great boxing on display and many up-and-coming boxers showcased their talent… This could be our last bonanza of the year, but we’ll see what the mood and reaction would be like after the elections. But I am thinking of hosting one more boxing event before the year ends,” he said.

Joel Amwele, secretary general of Oshana Boxing Federation (OBF) who was there to facilitate, hailed the boxing club for staging a successful event. 

“The bonanza went well, boxers had no injuries, and officials did their job as well. Boxers were satisfied as we didn’t receive any complaints. I want to thank their sponsors for pumping money into these events and because they keep our kids away from the streets,” he noted. 

-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na