Namibian boxer Paulinus ‘John John’ Ndjolonimus suffered the first professional loss of his career on Saturday night in Heidelberg, Germany, after a closely contested super middleweight clash against local favourite Simon Zachenhuber ended in a split decision that left many questioning the integrity of the officiating.
The bout, held at the SNP Dome, pitted two undefeated pugillists in what was billed as a high-stakes showdown with significant implications for the WBO world rankings.
Representing the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy, Ndjolonimus entered the ring determined, focused, and ready to protect his perfect record.
Over the course of 10 intense rounds, the Namibian boxer showcased his trademark discipline and skill, repeatedly connecting with crisp combinations to the head and body that had the crowd in awe. His footwork, timing, and sharp counters kept him competitive throughout the fight and, by many accounts, in control of the action.
However, the bout took a controversial turn when the referee began warning Ndjolonimus for alleged low blows – a decision that baffled not only the Namibian corner, but also several observers at ringside. According to promoter Nestor Tobias, the referee’s actions went beyond typical officiating errors.
“The referee took the fight away from us,” Tobias said bluntly.
“He deducted points in the first and third rounds for punches he claimed were low, but even officials from the German boxing commission at ringside expressed shock at the calls. These actions disrupted our boxer’s rhythm and tilted the scales in Zachenhuber’s favour. The deductions proved decisive. Despite Ndjolonimus dominating large stretches of the fight, the judges returned a split decision in favour of Zachenhuber, allowing the German to improve his record to 28 wins, including 17 knockouts. The victory also propelled Zachenhuber into fourth place in the WBO world rankings – a spot previously held by Ndjolonimus.
The officiating drew sharp criticism from the Namibian camp. Tobias did not hold back, questioning the fairness of the bout and expressing concern about the broader implications for the sport. “Had it not been for the referee’s blatant bias, the win would have gone to Paulinus. It’s not just a defeat for us — it’s a defeat for boxing fairness. When decisions like this happen on live television, it damages the integrity of the sport,” Tobias emphasised.
“This was supposed to be a fair contest between two unbeaten athletes, but the referee’s audacity shifted the narrative completely. Even the German officials at ringside voiced their disapproval. That says a lot.”
Despite the setback, Ndjolonimus is expected to return to Namibia today, where the team will regroup and assess their next move. The controversial loss has not dampened their resolve.
Focus shifts to Heita’s title shot
While the Namibian camp deals with the controversial defeat at Saturday’s bout, attention now turns to Mateus ‘The Beast’ Heita, another rising star from the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy. Heita is set to face Bruce Carrington of the USA this weekend in New York, where he will challenge for the WBC interim world title.
“We will keep going. Boxing is tough, especially on foreign soil, but our athletes are strong, and we’ll continue to compete at the highest level,” he concluded.