WALVIS BAY – Determination, speed and power were the defining factors in Namibia’s super bantamweight boxer Matheus ‘The Beast’ Heita win over Zimbabwean veteran pugilist Tinashe Mwadziwana, who he stopped in the sixth round to be crowned the new WBA Pan Africa Super Bantamweight champion.

The 23-year-old Heita showed great skills and movement in the ring right from the start, as he kept Mwadziwana on the backfoot with a good combination of head and body shots as well as razor-sharp uppercuts. 

From the third round to the fifth, it became a bloodied battle as the much-experienced Mwadziwana started showing some confidence and great maturity in his attacks, but Heita was just too powerful and silk for the 33-year-old Zimbabwean journeyman.

Heita, now growing in confidence and in full rhythm, started delivering some jaw-cracking shots to the head and body of Mwadziwana and it was not until long that the Zimbabwean’s corner threw in the towel to hand Heita a sixth-round technical knockout win. 

The stylish win also saw the Namibian capturing the coveted Pan Africa Super Bantamweight title, which is his first international strap. 

“I was only waiting for the right time to give him what he came for and I knew I will knock him out,” said a jovial Heita.

His promoter Nestor Tobias showered praises on his protégé, saying Heita is a rare gem and one destined for greatness. “We are going to the drawing board to put plans in place so that he can contend for the world title.”

On his part, a disappointed Mwadziwana admitted that it was not the best of days in the ring but remained hopeful he will bounce back in the future. “All I can say is that it was not my day and is up to my coaches to see what will be next,” he said.

Meanwhile, in other fights, Lazarus Namalambo from Bright Warriors Boxing Academy in Oshigambo, Oshikoto region was crowned the new national Bantamweight champion after he beat Andreas Mwenyo from MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy on a unanimous decision in their 10 -rounder bout.

The Featherweight title was taken by Martin Mukungu who was crowned the new national champion after defeating Immanuel Jason with a knockout in their last 10th round of the 10-rounds bout.

The national Super Bantamweight title fight between Phillipus Shaanika and Joseph Abel was declared a technical draw after Shaanika sustained an injury to his left eye.

In the international Super Middleweight division, Max Ipinge improved his professional record to six wins and one loss after he beat Tinashe Zihove from Zimbabwe on a unanimous decision while Namibia’s Sebastianus Natanael lost to Steven Bagwasi from Botswana on a unanimous decision in the international Featherweight division.

Nestor Thomas knocked out Antoni Moses in the third round of their four-rounder bout, Rafael Iita lost to Elson Kalus on points, Lineekela Nghifindaka knocked out Gerson Alweendo in the third round of their four-rounder bout while Fredrick Nghuutenanye won Johannes Morsande on points.

Erastus Shapaka lost his first Pro debut fight against Festus Simeon on a unanimous decision. -Additional info by Nampa