For Namibia’s boxing star Jeremiah ‘Lowkey’ Nakathila, tomorrow’s mega fight will not only be about fighting under the glittering lights of Las Vegas or headlining one of the biggest cards in history, it will be more about correcting the missteps of his compatriots who came before him on the American boxing plinth.

The 32-year-old Nakathila will square off against Mexico’s Miguel ‘El Alacran’ Berchelt in a 10-round non-title lightweight contest at the Resorts World in Las Vegas, which will be the main bout of the evening on a jam-packed boxing card. ESPN will broadcast the fight live on all its platforms.

Speaking to New Era Sport yesterday from their Las Vegas base, Nakathila’s promoter and coach Nestor Tobias said the fighter has been putting final touches to his preparations, and remains ready to confront Berchelt.

“He understands the importance of this bout and fighting at this level. It is any boxer’s dream to headline a big event in Las Vegas, and Nakathila has now been handed that golden opportunity to make history for himself and for our country. I have always been confident in his abilities, and going into Saturday’s fight, I know for sure he will pull off a win,” said a confident Tobias, who added that a win will parachute them to greater heights.

“Berchelt is a former championm and an experienced fighter at this level. But we are here on a mission, and that is to win the fight. As a promoter, it is a big achievement to put one of our top boxers at this level.” 

In an earlier presser with the American media, Nakathila said: “It’s an amazing opportunity to fight Berchelt. Given our styles, it will make for a highly-entertaining fight. This is my lightweight debut, and I’m looking forward to my first win against a highly-rated former champion.”

- ohembapu@nepc.com.na