2016-08-17Staff Report 2 Windhoek After a long absence from the boxing ring, crowd favourite Sacky Shikukutu, better known as ‘Izinyoka’ in boxing circles, is to make his much anticipated return to his happy hunting grounds. The much-liked Namibian boxer has been hard at training as he prepares to go toe to toe with Chris ‘the Heat’ van Heerden at Emperor’s Palace in Jozi, South Africa on October 22. The upcoming fight has been dubbed ‘The Southpaw Showdown’, a term normally reserved for left-handed fighters in the world of boxing, making it an interesting prospect for boxing fans and pundits. The showdown of the southpaws is promoted by Golden Gloves Promotions and will see dethroned world champion, the pocket-sized Hekkie Budler, up against compatriot Siyabonga Siya in the main bout. Following a long lay-off due to an assortment of career-threatening injuries Shikukutu is the firm favourite to get the better of his South African opponent and goes into the bout on the back of four successive victories. A knockout specialist, Shikukuti boasts an impressive résumé of 22 wins, 3 defeats and 1 draw from 26 fights, while his equally impressive opponent is the proud holder of 24 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw in 27 bouts. The latter’s last fight ended in a win against Steve Claggett in the USA in April, while Shikukutu’s last fight was a unanimous points triumph against Jason Bredeman of South Africa. The Namibian pugilist is the incumbent World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight title-holder, but this time around he will, however, step into the ring for a shot at the vacant WBA Pan African Welterweight title. Victory for Shikukutu would add one more title to his belt and in the process assure him a place in the ratings of both the WBO and World Boxing Association (WBA). “I take this fight very seriously, like all other fights. Of course I’m aware that I’ll be up against a very experienced opponent, but I will rely heavily on my fitness levels, while utilising my own experience and that of my corner to win this fight,” an upbeat Shikukutu boasted. The fight will be broadcast live on SuperSport. 2016-08-17Staff Report 2
