Namibia’s World Boxing Organisation (WBO) global super featherweight champion, Jeremiah ‘Lowkey’ Nakathila yesterday said his American opponent Shakur Stevenson is in for a shock when they square off for the WBO world interim super featherweight title.
Nakathila is set to face Stevenson on 12 June in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. It will be the main fight on the night.
The 31-year-old cat-footed Namibian pugilist yesterday shared with New Era Sport that preparations for the mega fight are in full swing, and the spirit in the camp has been superb.
He said facing a highly rated opponent such as Stevenson for a world title is a dream come true, and an opportunity not to be missed.
“This is a big opportunity for me and I have been preparing for this chance my entire life. I can’t just give it away like that,” he said.
The highly confident Nakathila further said Stevenson does not know what is coming for him, adding, “He keeps dreaming that he will easily take me down but come 12 June, I am going to show him what he’s not expecting.”
Nakathila warned that the 22-year-old American is in for a huge surprise, as he is ready to go to all possible extremes to ensure he brings the title home.
He said he has been hard at work sweating it out in the gym and on the road for almost two months and looking at his fitness level, he is ready to take it all the way to the wire with Stevenson.
“Preparations have been going well for me mentally and physically. I have a great group around me who are giving me all sorts of training. I have a great sparring partner. We are ready for whatever Stevenson will throw at me. It means a lot to fight for the world title; it is every boxer’s dream to fight at this level and I want to win the title for my country.”
He added that the fight is more than just a world title fight for him, but it is a rare God-given opportunity for him to finally realise his childhood dream of becoming a world champion.
“It was not easy getting to where I am today, it took a lot of discipline and sacrifices as well as refraining from negative social activities. The dedication in me has always been the main driving factor, and also surrounding myself with people who understood what I wanted for my career. I am thankful and ready.”
-mkambukwe@nepc.com.na