Local boxing promoter Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias believes that, if Namibia were to be defined by a particular sport, boxing would undoubtedly rank among the top three if not take the number one spot.
He said this assertion is grounded in the profound impact that the sport has had on the nation – from producing world champions to stimulating multiple sectors of the economy.
“Boxing stimulates multiple sectors of the Namibian market, cutting across industries such as beauty (ring girls), fitness (gyms), medical (doctors and physiotherapists), catering and marketing. Boxing matches have the power to attract global audiences of up to two billion viewers in combat and online in a single night,” he stated.
At the heart of this growth stands the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy, a powerhouse that has produced three world champions, Paulus ‘Hitman’ Moses, Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda and Julius ‘Blue Machine’ Indongo.
Today, the academy continues to shape future champions, with top prospects Matheus ‘The Beast’ Heita, Paulinus Ndjolonimus, Harry Simon Jr and its current poster boy Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa.
Tobias said the academy’s primary mission is to see Nghitumbwa crowned as Namibia’s next world champion.
“Reaching the top in professional boxing is a gradual journey that can take up to a decade of investment. We applaud our main sponsor MTC and co-sponsor PstBet for their continued support. But more sponsorship is needed if we want to see the sport thrive,” he added.
Currently, Nghitumbwa is ranked number five on BoxRec, which evaluates fighters across the four major boxing associations: the World Boxing Association, World Boxing Council (WBC), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and the World Boxing Organisation (WBO). With a five-star rating, the highest in the sport, Nghitumbwa is eligible for a world title fight at any time.
The academy is ready to put him forward for that opportunity even if it means facing the sport’s most dominant figure, Naoya Inoue, the reigning world champion boasting an impeccable 31-0 record (27 KOs) and holding the IBF, WBC and WBO Super Bantamweight belts. A potential Nghitumbwa versus Inoue showdown, Tobias noted, would not only put Namibia on the global sporting map but also stimulate the economy through tourism, broadcasting rights and commercial activities.
“Following tradition, once Nghitumbwa secures a world title, his title defence would ideally take place on his home soil. The envisioned Battle in the Dunes event would showcase Namibia’s capacity to host global sporting events and celebrate the culmination of years of effort,” he added.
Often dubbed Namibia’s own Muhammad Ali, Nghitumbwa boasts a professional record of 19 fights, 15 wins by knockout and two losses. He has defeated world and regional champions on foreign soil, including Yukinari Oguni (Japan) and De Kang Wang (China), and delivered a memorable performance against John Riel Casimero (Philippines), a bout many fans believe he won.
The former WBO Africa and WBO Global Super Bantamweight Champion, now holding both titles again, stands as Namibia’s most promising world title contender.
“His rise represents not only personal triumph, but also the collective spirit of a nation, where boxing continues to inspire, unite and economically empower communities,” Tobias said.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na