Nampol promotes Indongo
Boxer Julius Indongo was promoted to inspector by police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga at the police headquarters in Windhoek yesterday.
Namibia's triple world boxing champion Julius Indongo has been promoted to the rank of inspector by police chief Sebastian Ndeitunga.
Indongo, who left for the US yesterday for his super lightweight unification title fight against Terence Crawford on 19 August, held the rank of warrant officer - class two.
This is the first time an African boxer will aim to unify five world titles, and only the fourth time in the modern era that a unification title fight will take place. The previous three unification title fights all involved the American middleweight legend Bernard Hopkins. He ended up beating Oscar de la Hoya in September 2004 to unify the middleweight titles.
At the Police headquarters Ndeitunga told the local champion that he was due to be promoted next year but he wanted to send him off with a great morale boost.
“The whole nation is behind you and we are promoting you because you have worked hard. You will be fighting someone who is extremely good. But you are excellent. Avoid the ropes at all times and keep Crawford away from your body with your jabs.
“Be focused at all times; protect yourself at all cost because in boxing any mistake can cost you the fight.”
He further advised Indongo to repeat what he did to Russian boxer Eduard Troyanovsky, whom he had knocked out last year.
“Make use of every opportunity you get in the ring and remember, whether you win or lose, you remain our hero.”
Indongo was overwhelmed by the gesture by the police chief and said he would not disappoint the nation when he faces Crawford.
“I will not be intimidated by anyone. The game plan remains the same and I will remain humble always.”
He further said that he worked hard to be where he is. “I suffered a lot to get to this stage. It was not an easy road. MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy polished me up well and I am ready for the fight. Whatever happens, the Namibian nation will see that I fought with everything I have. Till my last breath I will fight, I will not give up.”
Nestor Tobias, his promoter, said Indongo's fight was history in the making.
“If you are still asleep, wake up and realise that Indongo is about to make boxing history. Everyone is talking about our boxer. If you are having doubts about him, just stop and have faith,” he said.
The 'Blue Machine' added the WBA super-lightweight title to his IBF strap when he beat Ricky Burns in April. Indongo will be fighting away from home for the third fight in succession, but the Namibian is confident of retaining his unbeaten record and becoming the lineal champion in the American's hometown.
Crawford is an undefeated two-weight world champion and regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
He last fought in May when he defeated Felix Diaz in New York, and holds notable victories over Ricky Burns and Yuriorkis Gamboa.
The fight will take place at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Nebraska.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
Indongo, who left for the US yesterday for his super lightweight unification title fight against Terence Crawford on 19 August, held the rank of warrant officer - class two.
This is the first time an African boxer will aim to unify five world titles, and only the fourth time in the modern era that a unification title fight will take place. The previous three unification title fights all involved the American middleweight legend Bernard Hopkins. He ended up beating Oscar de la Hoya in September 2004 to unify the middleweight titles.
At the Police headquarters Ndeitunga told the local champion that he was due to be promoted next year but he wanted to send him off with a great morale boost.
“The whole nation is behind you and we are promoting you because you have worked hard. You will be fighting someone who is extremely good. But you are excellent. Avoid the ropes at all times and keep Crawford away from your body with your jabs.
“Be focused at all times; protect yourself at all cost because in boxing any mistake can cost you the fight.”
He further advised Indongo to repeat what he did to Russian boxer Eduard Troyanovsky, whom he had knocked out last year.
“Make use of every opportunity you get in the ring and remember, whether you win or lose, you remain our hero.”
Indongo was overwhelmed by the gesture by the police chief and said he would not disappoint the nation when he faces Crawford.
“I will not be intimidated by anyone. The game plan remains the same and I will remain humble always.”
He further said that he worked hard to be where he is. “I suffered a lot to get to this stage. It was not an easy road. MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy polished me up well and I am ready for the fight. Whatever happens, the Namibian nation will see that I fought with everything I have. Till my last breath I will fight, I will not give up.”
Nestor Tobias, his promoter, said Indongo's fight was history in the making.
“If you are still asleep, wake up and realise that Indongo is about to make boxing history. Everyone is talking about our boxer. If you are having doubts about him, just stop and have faith,” he said.
The 'Blue Machine' added the WBA super-lightweight title to his IBF strap when he beat Ricky Burns in April. Indongo will be fighting away from home for the third fight in succession, but the Namibian is confident of retaining his unbeaten record and becoming the lineal champion in the American's hometown.
Crawford is an undefeated two-weight world champion and regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
He last fought in May when he defeated Felix Diaz in New York, and holds notable victories over Ricky Burns and Yuriorkis Gamboa.
The fight will take place at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Nebraska.
LIMBA MUPETAMI
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