Black Mamba ready to strike

Wilberforce 'Black Mamba' Shihepo has been given a chance to revive is boxing career when he faces South African Akani 'Prime' Phuzi for the WBA Pan African cruiserweight title later this month at the Blairgowrie Recreation Centre in Johannesburg.Shihepo, fighting out of the African Connection Boxing and Fitness Gym owned by Immanuel 'AC' Moses, is looking to return home with the title.He has been out of action since June last year, when he fought at the Floyd Mayweather Academy in Moscow against Russian Aleksei Papin. The Namibian pugilist lost the IBF international cruiserweight title fight in the 10th round, despite putting up a great performance.Known to be a lethal puncher, Shihepo, who has a record of 35 fights, 25 wins and 10 losses, now needs to put up an impressive showing if he wants to revive his ailing boxing career.“This is a chance Black Mamba cannot miss. He has been in the gym getting ready for this fight. I work with big guys and I try as much as possible not to lie to them. “There are not many chances around, so they need to step up when a chance presents itself. Go in to win it or go home,” said Moses. He added that Shihepo needs this fight and must make sure he emerges victorious at the end of the night.Moses also expressed happiness about the number of boxing stables emerging in the country, saying aspiring boxers and those already in the sport can now choose where and with whom they want to train.On paper Shihepo has more experience than his opponent, as he has been around the block. Phuzi only has eight fights to his name and is undefeated. He last fought in March this year against Malawi's Mussa Ajibu, whom he stopped in the fourth round of their ten-round cruiserweight bout.The South African is seen as a rough diamond. He is a hard puncher who can also take a beating.The boxing event will also see a mini-flyweight title fight between South African Bangile Nyangani and Tanzanian pugilist Oscar Richard, as well as five other undercard bouts. LIMBA MUPETAMI

Black Mamba ready to strike

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Black Mamba ready to strike

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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