Friends become enemies

Steven Shimbonde and Immanuel Mungandjela will finally have the chance to fight for a national title on 21 October. The welterweight fight will feature in the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Boxing and Fitness Academy's boxing bonanza titled 'Champions in the Making'. The bonanza will also see WBO Africa middleweight title holder Walter Kautondokwa fight Meshack Mwankemwa of Tanzania at the Windhoek Country Club. What makes the Mungandjela and Shimbonde bout significant is that both have fought for a long time, but never got a crack at a title fight. Having grown up together, they say friends become enemies in the ring because of what is at stake. “I have been waiting for this moment all my life and now I have a chance to fight for a national title. “I knew Mungandjela before we came to Windhoek and now he is the guy I am going to fight. “What we have to understand is that a competition is a competition and there are no friends when it comes to such things,” Shimbonde said. His opponent also acknowledged the fact that he will have to forget their friendship on 21 October. Mungandjela admitted that the only way he can be victorious is by sending his childhood buddy down to the canvas.“I have also been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time and now I have the chance. “I am ready to put up a great show in order to get my hands on the national welterweight title,” Mungandjela said. Mungandjela has fought 13 professional fights with nine wins and three losses, while his opponent holds a record of seven wins and four losses in eleven fights. In the main undercard, Namibian welterweight prospect Mike Shonena will make his African debut when he fights for the vacant WBO Africa welterweight title. Shonena remains undefeated after 10 fights and will face Juma Waiswa of Uganda. Promoter Nestor Tobias assured the media that there will be fireworks on the night. Title holder Walter Kautondokwa, who will be fighting in the main bout, warned the public not to miss the start of the fight, given his habit of knocking out his opponents in the first round. Kautondokwa has an impressive record of 14 knockouts in 15 professional fights. Tickets are available at Computicket outlets, Antonio's shop in Post Street Mall and at the Windhoek Country Club reception. General tickets sell for N$200 while a VIP table seating 10 persons costs N$10 000. The fight is sponsored by MTC. JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

Friends become enemies

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Friends become enemies

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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