Gaborone - Namibia’s veteran fighter Sakaria ‘Desert Storm’ Lukas on Friday delivered a scintillating performance to secure a career redeeming win over Zimbabwe’s Issa Phiri at the Fairgrounds Holdings Centre in Gaborone.

The 38-year-old Lukas, who late last year suffered a high-profile defeat against American boxer Raymond Ford, got back to winning ways after he outpointed a stubborn Phiri over six rounds of their thrilling international lightweight fight. 

“My game plan was to get a win no matter what the odds were; that’s why I kept putting pressure on him throughout the fight and it eventually worked. It was a very important win and a great morale booster. Going forward, I think I can do even much better in terms of performance. But I’m happy with the win and what it means going forward,” said Lukas after the fight. 

The fight was part of the undercards to the national title fight between Tefo Letshikgwane and Onkarabile Mothibedi, and it was the main supporting bout of the night.

Despite the hard-fought win, the Namibian acknowledged that his opponent was tough and persistent, but was happy that he got the victory in the end. 

On his part, Phiri said he tried his utmost best to beat Lukas on the night
but admitted that the Namibian journeyman is a tough and highly experienced fighter. “It was indeed a tough contest; Sakaria is a very experienced and skilful fighter. I must admit that it was surely one of those tough bouts I have ever fought. I must praise him for putting up a great fight,” said Phiri. Meanwhile, Lukas trainer and promoter Imms Moses shared that they are now working on securing a much bigger and better fight either in the USA or Saudi Arabia.

“I’m very pleased with his performance and believe it is a step in the right direction. Phiri is a young and strong opponent and Sakaria handled him very well. I’m happy that we are keeping Sakaria busy with such decent fights
in order to avoid waiting long for big fights” added Moses.

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na