Top boxing promoter Nestor Tobias has set his sights on securing a world title this year.
As always, he highlighted that financial backing will be crucial to achieving this goal.
Tobias made these remarks at yesterday’s press briefing in the capital where he launched their upcoming boxing bonanza which is set for 12 April at Windhoek Country Club and Casino.
The event will be headlined by one of MTC Sunshine Boxing Academy’s top prospects, Fillipus ‘Energy’ Nghitumbwa, who is set to face an opponent yet to be announced.
The bout will also feature WBO Africa featherweight champion Mateus Heita, who is expected to put on an exciting fight. Speaking at the press conference, Tobias outlined his ambition to win a world title, either by getting one of his fighters into a mandatory title challenge or by securing funding to stage a world championship fight here in Namibia.
“We have world-rated boxers ranked among the top 10. Nghitumbwa is ranked number nine in the junior featherweight division, while Paulinus Ndjolonimus is ranked fifth in the super middleweight category, which says a lot about our stable. They are ready to challenge for world titles, but such opportunities require major financial backing,” Tobias said.
The promoter further stressed the challenges of hosting a world title fight in Namibia, highlighting the need for sponsors and government support. “Hosting such an event isn’t an easy task, but we must work closely with our sponsors and the government to make it happen. Our boxers have proven themselves, and they deserve the chance to fight for a world title,” he added.
Meanwhile, Nghitumbwa expressed confidence ahead of his fight, despite not yet knowing his opponent. “There’s nothing much to talk about now – just to wait until fight day. I am ready for the upcoming fight. I don’t care who I’m facing because I will beat any boxer who stands in my way,” Nghitumbwa said.
Heita, who will also be in action, said he is motivated after receiving his WBO Africa Featherweight Championship belt. “Getting my belt is a massive motivation. I’m used to winning continental titles, but my goal is to climb the rankings and contest for a world title,” Heita said.
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na