WINDHOEK – Despite finding themselves on the wrong end of boxing rules and regulations during a well-attended weigh-in ceremony at a local hotel in Windhoek yesterday, Namibian professional boxers are not running scared.
The Namibian trio of Imms ‘Prince’ Naidjala, Vikapita ‘Beast Master’ Meroro and Betuel ‘Tyson’ Ushona were all overweight and could face sanctions by the Namibian Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (NPBWCB) but the boxers remain unfazed about their failure to negotiate their way past the scale.
World Boxing Organization (WBO) Africa cruiserweight title holder Meroro tipped the scale on 93.98kg, exceeding the required 90.98kg – a massive 3kg heavier than the weight limit.
Naidjala did not fare better either and weighed in at 54.52kg beating the weight limit of 53.52kg, while Ushona also fell short of the required weight limit of 66.68kg, weighing in at 66.85kg.
According to local professional boxing rules, overweight offenders will be obliged to forfeit 10% of their purse, to be allocated to their opponents irrespective of the outcome in the ring.
Namibia’s leading boxer Hitman Moses was slightly lighter than his opponent, hitting the scale well within the limit of 61.34kg on 60.50kg – just a fraction below his opponent Malcolm Klassen who weighed in at 60.75kg.
Moses defends his WBO International lightweight belt against challenger Klassen from South Africa in what promises to be a gruelling 12 rounds of blood, sweat and tears at the Ramatex Hall on the outskirts of Katutura tonight.
The bouts form part of Namibia’s 25th independence anniversary celebrations and coincide with the much anticipated inauguration of the country’s third democratically elected president Dr Hage Geingob.
Moses boasts a remarkable record of 35 wins and 2 losses from 37 bouts in the paid ranks, while his opponent is the proud holder of 28 victories and 6 defeats.
Tonight’s boxing bonanza features a significant number of mouthwatering bouts that include Namibia’s unbeaten boxing sensation Julius ‘Blue Machine’ Indongo defending his WBO Africa junior welterweight title against Tanzanian challenger Ibrahimu Glass.
The bumper packed delicacy on tonight’s menu includes Meroro, Ushona, Japhet Utoni, Naidjala, Martin Haikali and Walter Kautondokwa who will all trade leather against formidable opponents from as far as Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania.
Hitman said: “I want to win the fight as early as possible so that I can get to fight for a world title because I’m anxiously waiting and itching to become world champion again.”
Tonight’s boxing bonanza will be graced by former South African world champion Dingaan ‘The Rose of Soweto’ Thobela, founder board member of the internationally acclaimed MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing & Fitness Academy.