OSHAKATI – What was billed as a spirited community event to promote social reintegration ended in disappointment and frustration, after the headline boxing bout between Harry Simon and Paulus “Ninja” Shimweefeleni was cancelled at the last minute.
Organised by the Faith Foundation in collaboration with Onkugo Boxing Promotions, the event under the theme “Ninja Against Crime” was hosted at the Oshakati Independence Stadium on Saturday evening. It aimed to raise funds for rehabilitation projects supporting former inmates and featured some of Namibia’s most celebrated boxing legends.
However, moments before the main fight was set to begin, organisers were forced to call it off after veteran boxer Harry Simon was declared medically unfit to compete due to high blood pressure.
The news triggered an uproar among hundreds of fans who had braved the cold weather, paid for tickets, and travelled long distances to witness the long-awaited showdown. “I came all the way from Okongo and spent money on accommodation just for this. This is a total waste of time and money,” fumed boxing enthusiast Simon Petrus.
Another fan Mukudhila Ishiposha stressed that organisers could have told them earlier. “We’ve been sitting in the cold for hours waiting for nothing and we paid our money for nothing, they must refund us,” she said. The disappointment was also shared by the boxers themselves.
A clearly frustrated Shimweefeleni, who was ready and geared up, said, he had been training for this fight since January just to be told a few minutes before time that the match was off, and this was being unfair and disrespectful. Simon, speaking after the announcement, explained that he was not fit to fight due to high blood pressure.
“I have had a lot on my mind lately, and it affected my health. But I promise to return once I’m well again. I don’t do real fights anymore I fight smart now,” he said.
Faith Foundation founder Dennis Tobias expressed deep disappointment over the outcome. “We are heartbroken. This was supposed to be a night of hope and purpose. Unfortunately, the decision was beyond our control. We apologise to all fans and supporters,” he said.
Tobias further confirmed that the Namibia Boxing and Wrestling Control Board had placed several restrictions on the event.
Only two bouts were allowed to go ahead, while others, including the headliner, were cancelled on the spot.
According to the close source the board’s earlier reluctance to sanction the event also drew scrutiny.
The source said the board had initially declared the exhibition bill non-compliant, with insiders alleging interference from rival boxing promoters who demanded a share of the proceeds, threatening to sabotage the show.
“It took intervention from the executive director of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture to get the greenlight for the event, albeit under strict conditions,” the source added.
Despite the chaos, the organisers said Faith Foundation remains committed to its mission.
“This was never about profit or competition it was about inspiring change and helping people to rebuild their lives. We will continue using sport to uplift communities,” they vowed.
– vkaapanda@nepc.com.na