Date of birth: 1997/12/26
Place of birth: Walvis Bay
Nickname: Nata
Occupation: Boxer
Current Club: Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy
Previous Club/s: Walvis Bay boxing academy
Quickly take us through your journey; how did you get into boxing, and what/who inspired you to pursue a career in boxing?
I got into boxing when I was still young – about 12 years old. I would train with older guys who were already into the sport, and that made me grow a love for the sport.
Memorable moments of your career?
My most memorable match was when I fought for my first international title on 4 December 2021; it changed my life and shaped me into the boxer I am becoming.
Biggest disappointing career moment?
It should be this past weekend when I was overweight. It wasn’t an easy one, as I wanted to remain the champion in my division.
What is the worst injury you ever had?
Knee problems; still battling with it but it is mostly in winter that it gets worse.
Favourite local or international boxer?
Floyd Mayweather, because he is the best, smart fighter – and I want to be like him one day.
You are currently one of the top boxers in your division, how tough was the journey getting to where you are?
To me, nothing is tough; I was born a fighter. All I do is work hard during my training sessions to ensure that nothing comes as a surprise.
What’s your take on the local boxing scene in terms of quality and number of boxing events and development programmers?
I think the scene has
enormously evolved. More opportunities have been created than before. I fight at least three times or more a year; that builds me up, my experience and my maturity in the ring. I will, overall, say that the scene is wide open, as we have more local boxers with titles.
What should Namibia do for boxing to catch up with the rest of the world?
The Namibian business community must start supporting boxing so that we can catch up with the rest of the world and produce more world champions. Investment in proper facilities and competition is needed. With that, we will be on the same level with the rest of the world.
Do you think local boxers are given enough platforms to showcase their talent?
Sure. Of late, there have been opportunities to showcase our talents. There are so many bonanzas in the country where boxers are likely to contest – even five times a year. But with that said, as a boxer, you should try your level best to do more and help and show the people that you have the potential of becoming the country’s next big thing.
You recently defeated Zimbabwe’s Hassan Milanzi with a sixth-round TKO; how was your experience before, during and after the bout?
I trained for that fight to take him down, and that’s what I did. I think it was one of the best fights. I had to stick to the plan of ending the bout on time, rather than leaving it in the judges’ hands.
You recently spoke about moving to another weight division after you failed to meet the weight limit ahead of your recent fight, which also saw you lose your title (WBO and World Boxing Association Africa Super bantamweight). How did that affect you as a boxer, and what’s the reason behind changing the division?
I was so disappointed that I couldn’t make the weight, and I do understand that perhaps I am growing, as a person. But that also made me realise why there is a need for change in a person’s life, and that change has to be me moving into the next weight division (featherweight), which I think would be perfect for me.
Have you ever been knocked out?
I was never been knocked out – not even at an amateur level. I am that guy. I have knocked out five guys in my professional career.
If you could have one dream fight with anyone, who would it be?
American boxer Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis: his style and mine suit each other; it would be a good fight.
Your ambitions for 2023 and beyond?
I just want to work hard, dominate the featherweight division and become a world number one.