Namibian Sun

Namibian boxing trainer Immanuel 'Ace' Moses said joining Global Boxing Stars (GBS) has the potential to ensure that local boxers get an opportunity at world title shots.

Moses, who owns the AC Boxing Gym, said this after GBS signed amateur boxers Matias Hamunyela, Jonas Matheus and Lazarus Shaningwa.

This brings the number of local talent signed to the boxing camp to six, with Sakaria 'Desert Storm' Lukas who will be fighting in New York on 14 March, Paulus 'El Jesus' Ambunda who will make his return to the ring on 18 April in Zimbabwe and Paulus 'The Hitman' Moses already having signed.

Moses said the boxers approached them. “Most Namibian boxers don't have signed contracts, and thus don't get fights. We need to understand that boxing is business but most stables don't have the right structure to promote boxers and we are in the business to do that.

“Partnering with GBS gives us exposure as we work with international manager Scott Patrick Farrell, founder and CEO of GBS,” added Moses.

Farrell has promoted many champions, including WBC Asia continental champion Mirage 'Miracle' Khan, IBO Asia champion Cairo 'The Waikato Warrior' George and IBO Asia champion Chase 'Hell Boy' Haley.

Moses said the Namibian amateur boxers will get four local fights from which they will determine if they are ready to be pushed to an international platform.

“Most promoters don't have a vision. They have boxers but most of the boxers are not even ranked,” he said.

Moses has partnered with former professional boxer Vakufilapo 'Cowboy' Wilhelm, who will co-manage the new signees.

“It's great to be working with GBS and Farrell as he is all about doing what's best for the growing career of a fighter. That's something I admire and I share the same goal.

“GBS is well connected in the boxing world with some of the top promoters and matchmakers and Farrell works with some of the biggest names in boxing like Manny Pacquiao,” Wilhelm said.

The former fighter added that his goal is to help boxers in Namibia find the right path to international success, or at least the opportunity to try. “Farrell and I are aligned in our goals to build these fighters along with Hitman. What I like about GBS is the fact they invest into making things happen.

“Farrell has a plan, and I have bought into that plan, and together, we will build more celebrated world champions from Namibia,” Wilhelm added.

GBS currently supports shows in Namibia with AC Boxing Promotions. Their first collaboration was a success, with the next show scheduled for 3 April in Windhoek, where Hamunyela, Matheus and Shaningwa will make their first GBS appearance.

“This is another great day for Team GBS, and I welcome all three amazing talents to the family. This was all made possible by their co-manager and newly appointed GBS representative Wilhelm. I'm delighted to have these prospects on board and have big plans for all three,” said Farrell.

“Working with all these prospects and former world champions is an honour for me and a time in my life I will forever truly cherish,” he said.

LIMBA MUPETAMI