Namibia’s WBO Global Super Bantamweight champion Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa is set to face one of his biggest career tests when he defends his title against highly-experienced Australian fighter Luke Boyd next month.

The 27-year-old Nghitumbwa, who is one of the country’s fastest rising stars, will square off against the 35-year-old Boyd at the Kevin Betts Stadium in Sydney, Australia on 15 March. 

The fight will take place in Australia and three titles will be on the line, namely the IBF Intercontinental, WBA Oceania and the WBO Global Super Bantamweight title that Nghitumbwa currently holds.

This will definitely be a fight that the world would not want to miss, as Nghitumbwa has won 11 of his 13 fights by knockout, and Boyd, on the other hand, boasts an impressive record of 10 fights and 10 knockouts, which makes this fight deadlier than ever.

It will be Nghitumbwa’s first fight beyond Namibian borders and he has affirmed his readiness to once again make the country proud and retain his title as he sets his eyes on bigger and better opportunities. 

His last fight against South Africa’s Sabelo Ngebinyana has earned him a lot of respect and he now has an opportunity to show the world what he is made of against a tough opponent away from home.

Nghitumbwa’s promoter Nestor Tobias hailed the impressive rise of his fighter and said: “Those who have seen Energy in action will tell you that he possesses all the qualities to become a world champion. 

He is fast, strong, has incredible boxing skills and a strong chin as well. We know what Energy is made of, he has worked hard over the years, very disciplined, and deserves this opportunity”.

On his part, an excited Nghitumbwa said he is ready to rewrite history and that his upcoming fight against Boyd will be the perfect opportunity to send a strong warning to potential opponents worldwide. 

“I am extremely grateful for this opportunity. As a team, we have taken my career step by step and I am happy with the progress we have made and the timing of this fight. My confidence is very high, and this opportunity presents me with a chance to announce my arrival on the international scene. 

After this fight, I want everybody in the super bantamweight division to know my name and move on to bigger fights but Boyd is my focus right now,” said a raring Nghitumbwa. 

- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na