Windhoek
Namibia’s light heavyweight boxer Wilberforce ‘Black Mamba’ Shihepo yesterday jetted off to Manchester, England, where he will confront British opponent Callum Johnson for the vacant Commonwealth light heavyweight title at the Manchester Arena on Saturday.
Shihepo was accompanied by promoter Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias of the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing & Fitness Academy and trainer Imms Moses’ team, who all left the country yesterday afternoon.
The 33-year-old Shihepo holds a record of 34 fights, 28 wins and 8 losses, while Johnson boasts a highly impressive record of 15 wins from the same number of fights. The Namibian hard puncher goes into Saturday’s fight with full confidence and ready to add the lucrative Commonwealth title to his cabinet.
On Saturday, the 31-year-old Johnson will equally be out to protect his impeccable record, while striving to add the Commonwealth title to his 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medal when he battles it out against the experienced Shihepo, who took highly-feared German veteran Arthur Abraham the distance.
Johnson’s desire to land his first pro crown and begin his quest for world title honours is further fuelled by his late father Paul, who passed away earlier in the year.
Speaking to Boxingnews24 boxing site, Johnson said: “He remains my biggest inspiration. We started this journey together when I was 12 years old and I am determined to finish it for him. His memory is only going to motivate me even more.”
“Since I won gold at Delhi we always talked about what it would be like to win Commonwealth gold and a Commonwealth title. To complete the set, it sounded good. If Dad is looking down on me, then this is my chance to show him we did it.”
He added: “Shihepo is the exact type of opponent I need to be facing right now. I need a stern test and he is that man. He has boxed former world champion Arthur Abraham and he did well against him – Abraham was a long-standing world champion and very tough, so he’s mixed with the very best. I feel very confident ahead of this fight. I’m excited for this test and it’s one I’ll come through with flying colours.”
Johnson’s clash with Shihepo is part of a huge night of action in Manchester as Anthony Crolla meets Jorge Linares in a blockbuster unification battle for the WBA, WBC Diamond and Ring Magazine lightweight titles. – Additional info: www.boxingnews24.com