One of Namibia’s foremost boxing stars Jeremiah ‘Lowkey’ Nakathila yesterday drew profound inspiration from the old-age adage that lightning never strikes the same place twice, saying he will make history with his upcoming mega fight against Mexico’s Miguel ‘El Alacran’ Berchelt. Last June, Nakathila recovered from a fourth-round knockdown to take America’s Shakur Stevenson the full distance during their WBO interim world super featherweight title fight at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, before all three judges went on to score the bout in favour of Stevenson.
Now, nine months since his defeat to Stevenson, the Namibian is a rejuvenated man, and will on 26 March return to Las Vegas, but this time at the Resorts World Hotel, to get a second bite at the cherry when he squares off against Berchelt.
Their upcoming match-up will be a lightweight non-title contest, and will headline Top Rank Boxing’s event to be livestreamed on ESPN worldwide.
Speaking to the media at yesterday’s press conference in the capital, the 32-year-old Nakathila confidently said he will not fail where he once failed, as he is now an improved fighter and has learnt from his past mistakes.
He said his defeat to Stevenson was one that came with contrasting aspects, as the American is a tricky southpaw with a commendable ability to fight from all angles of the ring at an immense speed, which is something that made it extremely difficult for him to fully apply his wrath.
A self-assured Nakathila, who was flanked by his promoter Nestor Tobias and John Ekongo from sponsor MTC at the presser, said his upcoming fight against Berchelt somehow provides him with great impetus, as the Mexican’s fighting style complements his very well. “When you look at Berchelt’s fighting style, it suits me very well, and that’s why I’m confident that I will get the win this time around. Stevenson was a very tricky fighter; the guy is just an awkward opponent to face. I prepared well for him [Stevenson], but when we got into the ring; the fight just took another twist and I had to adapt. But with Berchelt, I’m sure I can get the job done this time around in Las Vegas. I don’t think I will fail twice there [Vegas],” he enthused.
On how he has been preparing, Nakathila said things have been going well as he has been placed in camp with superb sparring partners, who are pushing him to the limit.
“I have been sparring with great partners; you can really see that these guys are pushing me very hard. My entire team has been very supportive, and we all want to come back home victorious. So, Berchelt must know that I’m coming for him because this is a big opportunity for me and my team to make history. If I get the win in Vegas on 26 March, it will be on to bigger and better fights, going forward.”
Nakathila and his entourage will leave for Vegas on 19 March, and are expected back home around 28 March. - ohembapu@nepc.com.na