Maurice Kambukwe
Namibia’s WBA Pan Africa flyweight champion Fillemon Nghutenanye yesterday cautioned his Tanzanian opponent Ally Ngwando to be prepared to shed some blood, sweat and tears when they lock horns this coming Saturday, as he will be ready to defend his title at all costs.
Nghutenanye and Ngwando headline the star-studded boxing bonanza that will be held at the Safari Court Hotel in Windhoek under the MTC Salute Boxing Academy banner. Speaking at yesterday’s face-off ceremony held in the capital, the 27-year-old Nghutenanye said he is well aware of his opponent’s capabilities and calibre, but warned that he will be ready to disarm the Tanzanian and successfully defend his belt.
“This is not a joke for me (defending his title). I take this so seriously and I mean it. It won’t be easy but I promise you that I will do anything for this title; it belongs here and it will not go anywhere. You came here empty-handed and you shall go back home just like that. I won’t allow you to take my belt with you,” said Nghutenanye, as he unleashed a verbal jab at Ngwando who was sitting at the opposite end of the table.
On his part, a calm and collected Ngwando said he was unfazed by the Namibian’s tough talk as he came here to accomplish one mission and that is to take the WBA Pan Africa flyweight belt away from Nghutenanye. “What I can promise is that it is going to be a great show on Saturday as I will bring my A-game to the ring. I know my opponent is good but I’m well prepared and ready to take him down in front of his own fans. I can’t wait to see him in the ring so that I can get the job done,” said Ngwando.
Action on the night will also see Immanuel Josef defending his WBO Africa flyweight title against South Africa’s Tisetso Modisadife over 12 rounds, while Abed Shikongo will be putting his super welterweight national title on the line against Simon Shafondino in a 10-round contest.
Veteran pugilist Lukas Ndafoluma will be returning to the ring to face Malawi’s Mussah Mkwanda in a six-round super middleweight showdown, while Harry Simon Jr will be in action against Malawi’s Limbami Chikapa in the welterweight division over six rounds.
In the super featherweight division over six rounds, Lazarus Shaningwa will take on Israel Kamwamba of Malawi, while Tomas Shifiona will open the day’s proceedings with a fight against John Shitilitha in the super bantamweight division over six rounds.
Tickets to the event are N$200 for general tickets and N$10 000 for a general table seating 10 people, while VVIP ringside tables seating 10 people will cost N$20 000.
- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na