Namibia’s seasoned lightweight contender Jeremiah Nakathila is set to clash with rising American star Abdullah Mason in what promises to be an electrifying co-main event on 7 June in Norfolk, Virginia.

The bout will support the headline showdown between Keyshawn Davis and Edwin De Los Santos on a stacked Top Rank boxing card. Nakathila (35) touched down in the United States earlier this week alongside his trusted team from the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy. 

Among them are academy founder and long-time trainer Nestor Sunshine Tobias and trainer Nicky Natangwe.

They were seen working closely with the Namibian pugilist in the gym as he fine-tunes his preparations.

Speaking from Virginia, Tobias highlighted the importance of this bout for Nakathila, who holds a professional record of 26 wins, four losses and zero draws. “This is a big fight for Jeremiah. He’s doing very well. At this point, we’re just keeping him sharp, maintaining fitness, and managing weight. The champion is feeling confident after last night’s session. Mentally, we are fully focused. Saturday will be a big night of entertainment. We’re ready,” he said. On the opposite side of the ring stands Abdullah Mason, a 21-year-old considered one of America’s most promising prospects.  Mason is unbeaten in 18 professional bouts. He was originally in talks to face Floyd Schofield Jr. 

However, after Schofield’s camp reportedly demanded US$2.5 million, the deal fell through, paving the way for the Mason–Nakathila matchup. In an interview with BoxingScene, Mason described his approach as simple yet effective.

 “I go in there and get the job done. I do what I know I have to do. I am a fighter whom critiques myself. So when I step in there, I want to do things my way. That naturally turns out to be entertaining,” he said.