No one could have predicted that a young boy from the quiet village of Edundja in the Ohangwena region would one day grow into the man who would put Namibia on the global boxing map. 

But that’s exactly what Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias has done. Against all odds, he transformed his love for boxing into a legacy, producing world champions and reshaping the sport in Namibia.

From humble beginnings, Tobias’ story is one of sacrifice. A former amateur boxer during Namibia’s era under South African rule, Tobias had little to work with but made the most of every opportunity. 

He became a South West Africa champion, fighting across the globe in places like Chile, Brazil and Argentina. But his in-ring career was tragically cut short by a shoulder injury. Doctors recommended surgery, but instead, he made a life-changing decision: he chose to give back to the sport as a trainer and promoter.

Building a legacy from scratch

In 2000, he officially established the Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing Academy, registering as both a trainer and manager with the Namibia Boxing and Wrestling Control Board. A year later, in 2001, he secured a promoter’s licence and staged his first event featuring Frans ‘Rambo’ Hantindi, who went on to win the WBA Pan-African welterweight title.

But building an academy from scratch wasn’t easy. At the time, Namibia had no trained professional officials and no real infrastructure to host major bouts. There was no corporate support either.

“I used to take boxers to neighbouring countries to fight and paid for everything myself. I even paid their opponents out of my pocket,” Tobias revealed.

Despite the odds, he never stopped pushing forward. Over time, his academy became a beacon for aspiring boxers. Under his guidance, Namibia celebrated one boxing success after another. Among the stars he nurtured were: Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses – former WBA Lightweight World Champion, Paulus “El Jesus” Ambunda – former WBO Bantamweight World Champion, Julius ‘Blue Machine’ Indongo – unified WBA, IBF and IBO Super Lightweight World Champion, Jeremiah ‘Low Key’ Nakathila – former WBO Global Super Featherweight Champion, Bethuel ‘Tyson’ Uushona – holder of multiple regional titles including the WBO African and Pan Asian Boxing Association belts, Paulus Ali ‘The Silent Assassin’ Nuumbembe – former Commonwealth champion and 2000 Olympian. 

Other champions included the late Kanime Kanime and France ‘Rambo’ Hantindi, both of whom left indelible marks on the Pan-African boxing scene.

As the academy grew, so did the demands and responsibilities. Tobias recalls how he trained from the Katutura Youth Complex, and how even basic funding was a struggle.

“We got N$800 from NamPower for Moses. We had to buy clothes and sometimes gave him just N$400 to survive on. That’s how we started.”

Yet Tobias remained steadfast, refusing to be distracted by the lack of a state-of-the-art facility.

Discipline over luxury 

“It’s not about the gym. It’s about what you do inside that gym. You can have the best equipment in the world, but if you don’t work hard, you won’t succeed. Our success comes from discipline and commitment.”

That commitment is evident in the new crop of boxers he’s nurturing: Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa, Matheus Heita, and Paulinus ‘John-John’ Ndjolonimus — all rising stars with the potential to follow in the footsteps of Moses and Indongo.

“Nghitumbwa is a guy we believe in. He’s ready for a world title shot, but it’s hard. Everyone is dodging him or asking for too much money. But we’re not giving up. We’ll keep investing in him.”

Tobias’ work has not only elevated athletes but also helped shape the entire boxing ecosystem in Namibia. Officials who were once unpaid now receive compensation. The Boxing Control Board now receives government funding — developments Tobias attributes to the foundation laid by pioneers like him and his fighters.

“People rant when a boxer loses, but they don’t understand what it takes to prepare for that level. The courage, the sacrifice and the hunger. We should educate the public on this journey.”

Tobias has always kept the bigger picture in mind — the image of Namibia on the global stage.

“When our boxers walk into arenas overseas and they play the Namibian national anthem, that’s already a victory. People start talking about Namibia. That’s pride you can’t put a price on.”

Vision beyond the ring

He also wants the government and sports administrators to do more to support local boxing. Tobias believes that like in other countries where legends such as Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are invited to give talks and tours, Namibia should involve its own icons in building the future. 

“I am always ready to help. My door is open. We’ve built something powerful here. Even when I am no longer around, boxing in Namibia will go on. Other stables are doing great, and that makes me proud.”

However, he says there is still work to be done especially in securing sustainable funding and building systems to ensure boxers are well-matched and looked after.

“We need more money to stage quality fights, pay officials, and look after our athletes. We must continue producing world-class boxers and giving back to our communities. “We did a lot, and we’re not done yet.”

Nicky Natangwe who has for years worked closely with Tobias, said that he has given his whole life to boxing. 

He is hardworking, very level-headed and has given a lot to boxing. His life is dedicated to the sport, he concluded. 

-lmupetami@nepc.com.na