WINDHOEK – The sky seems to be the limit for Namibia’s internationally-acclaimed boxing promoter Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias, who once again placed Namibia on the international boxing map after he was voted the best trainer and promoter in Africa for the 4th consecutive year.
While announcing Ramatex Factory as the venue for the October 5th ‘Road to World Titles’ boxing bonanza, Tobias revealed to New Era Sport that the World Boxing Organization (WBO), at its recent 26th Annual Convention held in Budapest, Hungary also honoured former world champion Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda with the best boxer of the year in Africa accolade, in recognition of his undying commitment and achievements.
The MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing & Fitness Academy, which is no doubt the leading boxing academy in Namibia, was also in the mix of things during the awards night when they scooped the best boxing academy of the year in Africa award, taking their wining streak to four years in a row. After days of searching for a suitable venue, Tobias yesterday confirmed Ramatex Factory as the host venue of the much anticipated ‘Road to World Titles’ boxing bonanza, scheduled for Windhoek on October 5. The boxing extravaganza will see three titles being put on the line, where Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses will be topping the bill when he defends his World Boxing Organization (WBO) international lightweight title against Leonardo Gonzales from Argentina over 12 rounds.
“Gonzales is an opponent of note, given his superb record of 26 fights, four losses, one draw and 22 wins, while Hitman could on the other hand be on his way back to being a world title contender, because he is now rated No 2 according to the latest WBO Convention rankings published about two weeks ago,” said Tobias. A victory for ‘Hitman’ will surely push him within touching distance of the world title as he will become a mandatory challenger for the lightweight world title.
In the main supporting bout, Bethuel ‘Tyson’ Ushona will defend his WBO Africa welterweight title against Kaizer Mabuza from South Africa. Tyson’s recent win over James Omogo Onyango from Kenya was definitely a boost and if he can manage to repeat the same feat, he will also boost his chances of vying for the world title, since he is currently ranked No 4 in the world.
In the second supporting bout Vikapita ‘Beast Master’ Meroro will trade leather with Pascal Ndomba from Tanzania when he defends his WBO Africa cruiserweight title. The ‘Beast Master’ cannot wait to get back in the ring to show boxing fans his dazzling boxing skills. “We have themed this fight ‘Road to the World Titles’ because after the recent WBO Convention, our hard work and commitment to boxing was rewarded and seeing that most of our boxers are improving their world rankings it is highly motivating. A world ranking for any professional boxer is of paramount importance, because it means you are amongst the best in the world and obviously, any decent boxer wants to fight the best,” added Tobias.
“We are inviting everyone to the fight on the 5th October, because the WBO will officially hand over these awards and we want you to come and celebrate this with us because we refuse to celebrate this alone. We have also assured the public that the planning and organization will be world class and that parking and security at the venue will be beefed up to ensure that boxing fans enjoy the entire night in a safe and conducive environment.”