2013-10-23Staff Report 2 …Tobias wants more world champsWINDHOEK - Namibia’s leading boxing promoter Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias says his priority is for his boxers to become world champions and to earn international respect. His stable, the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy has already produced two world champions in the last five years, which is a most commendable feat. The effervescent Tobias, who in his heyday was regarded as one of Namibia’s finest professional boxers pound for pound alongside the legendary Harry ‘Hurricane’ Simon, also pointed out that he is determined to resume his mission to increase the number of top class boxers from his reputable stable. And to ensure that his aspirations become a reality, Tobias needs to offer his world title hopefuls the much-needed and regular competitive bouts if his protégés are to keep their fitness levels on the high. Following the failure to defend his WBO Bantamweight world title, Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda, the last boxer from the Sunshine stable to wear a world crown, is making a quick return to the boxing ring. The hard-punching Ambunda squares off against Argentinean opponent Nestor Paniagua, for the vacant World Boxing Organization (WBO) Intercontinental Bantamweight title in the main bout slated for the Ramatex Hall in Windhoek next week. Local boxing pundits suggest that Paniagua will rue signing the contract to fight the wounded Ambunda, who boasts an impressive record 20 wins from 21 bouts with only one defeat, while he left his adversaries losing further interest in the fight way before the final round in many of his encounters in the professional ranks. The main bout of the under-cards will feature Wilberforce ‘Black Mamba’ Shihepo, who will be out to reclaim his WBO Africa Super Middleweight belt from Daniel Wanyanyi from Kenya over 12 rounds. Shihepo relinquished his belt earlier in August this year in order to have a go at the WBO Super Middleweight international title, which he controversially lost on points against Arthur Abraham. Whenever he lands punches solidly, there is absolutely no boxer in his weight category who can stand up to the Black Mamba, so local boxing enthusiasts can brace themselves for drama, blood and pulsation at the gigantic Ramatex Hall. Incumbent WBO Lightweight champion Imms ‘Prince’ Naidjala, will defend his belt against a yet to be named opponent on the same bill, while Martin ‘Black Poison’ Haikali is ready to add another scalp to his hit list when he defends his WBO Africa Lightweight title against a yet to be announced opponent. Four mouth- watering international non-title bouts are also on the menu with upcoming local boxers up against their Botswana counterparts to complete the line up. Entry is N$100 per seat, while the VIP seats are up for N$500 per person.
