The owner and trainer at the MTC Nestor Tobias Sunshine Academy says the amateur boxing tournament held over the weekend at the After School Centre in Grysblok, Windhoek, was a resounding success.
The academy launched its development programme in June this year, with a keen focus on nurturing and honing the skills of amateur boxers through a series of tournaments, providing them ample opportunities to test their mettle.
The inaugural tournament witnessed an impressive turnout, with numerous young boxers eagerly participating in more than 20 bouts, ranging from juniors to seniors.
The event showcased the academy’s commitment to cultivating amateur boxing talent, even though its primary objective lies in the professional realm.
Speaking to this publication at the event on Saturday, Tobias expressed his gratitude to all the clubs that generously offered their boxers for this crucial developmental tournament.
He emphasised the significance of the event in placing Namibia’s boxing on the world map while acknowledging the academy’s determination to continue such endeavours in the future.
“First and foremost, I would like to extend my thanks to all the clubs that allowed their boxers to partake in this highly important development tournament. This event forms a vital part of our development programme, aimed at elevating Namibian boxing to international acclaim. We witnessed an inspiring showcase of talent from youth, junior, senior, and female boxers. One of the highlights of the day was witnessing young Peiter Coetzee, a talented white boxer, secure a knockout victory in the third round. This serves as a testament that boxing transcends all boundaries and leaves no one behind. Our commitment to advancing boxing throughout the nation remains unwavering as we strive to make our nation proud on the global stage,” he said.
In the junior category, Satiel Junior secured a victory against Rodrigues Bocks with a technical knockout, while Lulu Afrikanner emerged triumphant over Halweendo Leonel.
Shooya Nakathila defeated Junia Gawanab in a tightly contested bout, while Lazarus Petrus fell short against Jaos Shidifonya.
Deli Twakala secured a well-deserved win against Iyambo Gideon, and Simson Gawanab emerged victorious in his bout against Geoffrey Mwateuvi.
In the 54kg youth division, Mike Junior lost to Eliaser Mwahafa, with Erastus Ruben succumbing to Amon Likius.
Kapambe Shaanika lost to Asser Hashipala in the senior category, Tobias Phillip lost to Hifivali Shikongo, and Onesto Lucas beat Richard Hubertus.
Alfeus Modino lost to Vaino Hangalo, while Veiko Shimbonde put on an entertaining display and won his bout against Mathias Shifidi.
Peiter Coetzee had the crowd on its feet as he secured a third-round technical knockout victory against Matthew Nangolo.
Another exciting match in the senior category saw Daniel Kalunga triumph over Paulus Benny.