Local middleweight boxer Paulinus ‘John John’ Ndjolonimu on Saturday sent shock waves across the Windhoek Country Club hall when he stopped veteran Anthony Jarman in the last round with a devastating right hand to the head to be crowned new WBO Africa super middleweight king.
As expected, Jarman started the fight on a high note, showing some great footwork and leading the opening rounds with a decent straight jab, to which a well-composed Ndjolonimu responded very well, as he kept paddling forward.
The middle rounds saw Jarman continuing his dominance as he closed in with great combinations and his trademark jabs but Ndjolonimu remained motivated and kept coming forward despite trailing on points as the fight was headed towards the remaining rounds.
It was until the final 10th round of the fight that proceedings took a sudden twist when Ndjolonimu started pushing an exhausted and jelly-legged Jarman towards the ropes with string head and body shots. A charged-up Ndjolonimu kept coming forward with accurate shots and caught a weary Jarman with a vicious right hand to the head just 2.29 seconds into the final round. A worn-out Jarman failed to beat the count and the referee declared Ndjolonimu the new WBO Africa super middleweight champion. Jarman’s defeat came as a stunning surprise to all, as he went into Saturday’s fight as the favourite and the more experienced, compared to Ndjolonimu. Their fight was the main bout of the ‘Together as One Part 3 Boxing Bonanza, which was held by the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing & Fitness Academy at the Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino.
In a post-fight interview, an elated Ndjolonimu admitted the win was a hard-fought victory, as Jarman stretched him to the limit – but thanks to the guidance from his corner; he went for the knockout punch and got the victory.
“It was a tough fight from the beginning, as my opponent was dominating – but in the last rounds of the bout, my trainers were pushing me to not give up – and that’s what I did. I made a strong come back in the last moments and went for the knockout punch, which won us the fight,” said Ndjolonimu, who was crowned the new WBO Africa super middleweight king.
Reacting to his protégé’s victory, an equally excited Nestor Tobias acknowledged Jarman’s good performance but said Ndjolonimu’s tenacity and durability made the difference on the night as he hanged on for the sweet victory.
“Thumps up to Jarman; he did well – but unfortunately, he could hold on until the end of the game. For John John, he did very well tonight – and it’s a well-deserved victory. He showed power and strength and he did not give up despite Jarman dominating the bout right from the onset. We are now looking forward to getting him more title fights and maybe challenge for the world title in the near future,” said promoter Tobias.
In the main supporting bout, Sebastianus Nathanael defeated Zimbabwe’s Jeremiah Mhere through a 2nd round knockout to be crowned new WBO Africa featherweight champion.
Other bouts on the night saw Charles Shinima beat Chikondi Makawa from Malawi, Max Ipinge beating Silongo Shikongo and Philipus Nghitumbwa defeating Matheus Jonas. Martin Mukungu defeated Sakaria Sheehama and Joseph Abel beat Hango Festus, while Paulus Amavila overpowered Elson Kalus.
Matheus Heita beat Wilhelm Shii and Nestor Amukoto fought to a draw against Fillemon Erastus, while Sam Mathews defeated Gerson Vaeta. Shifiona Tomas drew against David Johannes and Nestor Tomas beat Teofelus Nashilongo.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na