The stage is set for the showdown between local pugilist, Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa and China’s Dekang Wang tomorrow night at Ramatex Hall in the Dr Hage Geingob Boxing Bonanza.

The two boxers will exchange leather for the WBO international super-bantamweight belt. 

The 28-year-old Nghitumbwa, fighting out of the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing Academy, is known for his ability to panelbeat his opponents, something which he promised to do to Wang too.

“I thank all my sponsors and sparring partners. We are ready to go. We will make sure that we take him out,” he said.

The Namibian boxer boasts 15 fights, of which he won 13 – 12 via knockout (KO) – and two losses.

His last bout was on 2 December 2023 against South Africa’s Thato Bonokoane, whom he defeated through a technical knockout.

Wang, speaking through a translator, expressed his readiness to compete, and said he is in good physical condition.

The 24-year-old boxer has a total record of nine fights with three KOs. He last fought on 19 January, defeating the Philippine’s Renz Rosia via a unanimous decision.

Jeremiah Nakathila, who is also on the fight card, said he is proud to associate with the academy, as it has done a lot for the sport of boxing. He has an international lightweight title fight scheduled against Zimbabwe’s Evans Husayihwevhu.

“Come Saturday, we shine,” said Nakathila.

Paulinus Ndjolominus also affirmed his readiness, stating that he worked on his weight to exchange leather against Zimbabwe’s Clever Sithole in the super middleweight division.

A man of few words, Mateus Heita said he is ready to shine in the ring in a featherweight, 10-rounder bout against Jonah Shitilitha.

An exhibition bout between female boxers Lakeisha van Wyk and Elina Shikongo is also on the cards. 

MTC and PstBet are co-sponsoring the event.

General tickets are selling at Webtickets for N$50, with VIP access going for N$200 and a table of 10 comprising box, wine and dine costing N$20 000.

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na