The organisers of the recent MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club Bonanza have expressed satisfaction with how the event unfolded, describing it as a success that lived up to expectations by attracting a large crowd of passionate boxing fans. 

The tournament took place on Saturday in Oshakati, as part of the ongoing Oshikuku Expo, and featured over 10 amateur bouts across various weight divisions. The event brought together boxers from the Oshana region and neighbouring areas, with two invited teams from Windhoek also joining the line-up. 

According to Joseph Bernhard, founder of Kilimanjaro Boxing Club, the primary aim of the bonanza was to nurture emerging talent and identify boxers for the upcoming national boxing championships scheduled for later this year. 

“I would say the event went as planned and it lived up to our expectations. We had a huge turnout and staged more than 10 fights, giving young boxers the opportunity to showcase their skills,” Bernhard said. 

He further praised the young athletes for the enthusiasm and fighting spirit they displayed, adding that several promising boxers had been identified for possible call-up to the regional training squad ahead of the national championships. 

“I’m proud of the number of participants who showed up for this event. The future of boxing is bright. Most of them showed hunger and zeal to represent their region,” he added. 

Bernhard acknowledged that the Oshana region has faced setbacks in recent years at national boxing events but believes the region’s rich pool of untapped talent can help restore its former glory. 

“It’s almost time for the national event to start, and we would love to see Oshana returning to its glory days. I truly believe this region has a wealth of talented boxers who can bring back those proud moments,” he said. 

mkambukwe@neepc.com.na