Ambunda announces retirement

JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

WINDHOEK

Former boxing world champion Paulus ‘The Rock’ Ambunda yesterday announced his retirement from professional boxing.

The boxer has been inactive since his last defeat in May 2019, when he surrendered his world super bantamweight belt to Stephen Fulton.

He was due to fight again in 2020 but the fight did not take place after the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic brought sports to halt.

The 41-year-old Ambunda, who made his professional debut 14 years ago, has made up his mind about returning to the ring.

“Yes, I have not told the media yet, but today I think I would officially like to announce my retirement.

“I have a seven-year-old son who is showing great promise already and I will have to dedicate most of my time making sure that I pass on my skills to him.

“It is not always an easy decision to make but at the end of the day, I am getting old,” Ambunda said.

Great career

Ambunda is regarded as one of Namibia’s best bantamweight boxers after claiming two world titles during his illustrious boxing career.

Before turning professional Ambunda won a silver medal at flyweight at the 2004 All-Africa Games in Abuja, Nigeria, and represented Namibia at the 2004 Olympics where he lost in the quarterfinals.

His first professional fight took place on 30 June 2007 in Swakopmund, where he beat Johannes Gabriel on points.

The boxer has won a total of 16 bantamweight titles with two of them being a WBO world title and an IBO super bantamweight world title.

Ambunda bows out with a record of 27 wins in 30 professional fights with only three losses.

Later known as ‘El Jesus’ towards the end of his career, he won 11 of his 27 fights by knockout and has never lost a fight by TKO since turning professional.

Early life

Ambunda was born on a windy day at the Omusimboti village east of Oshakati in August, 41 years ago.

When he was a child, boxing for Ambunda was something he only used to hear over the radio, but never had an interest in.

Ambunda started school in 1986 at Omusimboti Combined School where football was much more popular than boxing.

He enjoyed playing football on the dusty fields of his home village with his young friends while they were supposed to be herding cattle.

His life took a turn for the better in 1994 when he decided to move from the north to Windhoek in search of greener pastures.

Coming to Windhoek meant that the boxer had access to television and that is how his interest in boxing grew.

He then joined several boxing clubs where he always showed commitment and dedication.

Grateful

“I am so grateful for all the people that played a part in my life as a boxer, including the sponsors that made it possible for me to fight.

“I have to say thank you to guys like Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias, Kiriata Kamanya and Imms Moses for believing in me.

“All the coaches that played an important role in my life are also appreciated,” Ambunda added.

He encouraged MTC Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Boxing and Fitness Academy, MTC Salute Boxing Academy, AC Boxing Gym and other gyms to continue unearthing talent.

“Namibia is a country rich in talent and one would like to believe there are more boxers to come and shine.”