Marigold Hotel announced yesterday that they will be supporting the upcoming boxing bonanza hosted by MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy on 27 April at Ramatex with an amount of N$56 000.
The sponsorship will also include accommodation for Chinese boxer Dekang Wang and his team, who will contest against Fillipus Nghitumbwa in the main bout.
Additionally, the sponsorship entails hosting yesterday’s press conference and weigh-in at the hotel.
The hotel’s managing director Granville Maaldorp stated that they were approached by Nestor Tobias, and recognising the significant opportunity, decided to offer their support.
“When Tobias approached us, the Marigold executive made the decision to assist right away. This event presents a great opportunity to foster relations between two nations, Namibia and China. By providing accommodation for the three boxers staying here for 11 nights, we believe we are contributing to strengthening this relationship,” he said.
Meanwhile, Tobias, the promoter and owner of MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy, expressed gratitude towards Marigold’s executive, acknowledging the importance of the sponsorship in executing their plans.
“This sponsorship will make a huge difference in our budget, and we are thankful for the support provided. Organising such an event comes with huge expenses, and this sponsorship will greatly assist us,” he remarked.
Nghitumbwa (17 fights - 15 wins and two losses), who is currently preparing to face Wang (nine fights and nine wins) in the WBO International super-bantamweight clash, expressed confidence in his abilities, stating his readiness to capitalise on any mistakes by his opponent.
“I expect this to not be an easy fight, but I am confident in my abilities. Given any opportunity, I will take it, and take him down.
Winning this fight will not only boost my morale, but also elevate my ranking,” he added.
The bonanza, also serving as a tribute to late Namibian president Hage Geingob’s legacy, will feature two amateur bouts, including a bout with two female boxers.
Amateur boxer Pieter Kotze, who is set to make his debut as against Fillipus Shikongo, shared his excitement, highlighting the importance of the opportunity in advancing his career.
“Fighting at Sunshine’s bonanza is a significant opportunity for me. It’s one of the biggest clubs in Africa, and I’m prepared for my opponent. I’ve been diligently training, and I’m eager to showcase my skills,” he stated.
Other fights scheduled for the night include Jeremiah Nakathila against Zimbabwe’s Evans Husayihwevhu in the International Super Bantamweight division. Paulinus Ndjolonimus will square up against Zimbabwe’s Clever Sithoke in the Super Middleweight division, and Matheus Heita fights against Immanuel Naindjala in the 10-round Featherweight division.
Emmanuel Mungandjela will then tussle it out against Malawi’s Limbani Masamba in the International Welterweight division, while in the Bantamweight division, Nestor Thomas will square off against Paulus Shonena.
In the Featherweight National division, Linekela Nghifindaka will take on Shifiona Tomas, while Fredericks Nghutenanye will face David Johannes in the Featherweight division.
Meanwhile, Paulus Amavila will battle it out against Joseph Abel in the Welterweight division.
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na