Shonena to tangle with China’s Dong

LIMBA MUPETAMIThe stage is set for undefeated World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa welterweight champion Mike Shonena to take on China’s Youli Dong at the Ongwediva Trade Annual Fair on 24 August.Shonena, who is rated number five by the WBO, will be involved in the biggest fight of his career so far against Dong, who is the current WBO Asia Pacific youth welterweight champion. The Chinese boxer is ranked 15th by the WBO.Shonena last fought on 20 April in the Independence Legacy Fight Part 2, beating his Tanzanian opponent Shadrack Ignas. Shonena won via a technical knockout (TKO) in the fourth round of the 12-round bout.His match-up against Donga is expected to be a thrilling bout.With 14 fights to his name, Shonena remains undefeated and has thus far successfully defended his WBO Africa title four consecutive times, as he plots his way toward a world title fight. Dong, who is set to face his first African opponent, has a record of 15 fights, 13 wins, one loss and a draw. His last fight was in December last year against India’s Pardeep Kharera, who he stopped in the eighth round of their hard-fought battle.Shonena, who is known for his clinical punching, expressed excitement, saying Dong will be a very tough opponent.“He is strong and world-rated, but I have home-ground advantage. I have an undefeated record and I promise to give the fans my best performance to remain undefeated,” he said.In a short statement, Dong expressed his optimism about winning the fight. “I’m coming to Namibia to win. I know I will be fighting away from home, but I know that my Chinese brothers and sisters will come out in their numbers to support me. “I’m super-prepared for this fight and look forward to come and defend and grab an extra title for myself,” Dong added.Both the WBO Africa and WBO Asia Pacific youth titles will be on the line.The winner will improve their rating in a very tough weight division, in which Terence Crawford is currently the WBO welterweight world champion.The victor will thus take a step closer to facing the champion.Standard tickets for this epic bout are selling for N$100. Those who don’t want to watch the boxing only can pay an N$20 extra to enter the trade fair. VIP tables that seat 10 people cost N$10 000.Tickets are available at Computicket at Shoprite and Checkers outlets countrywide, and will also be on sale at the venue. The undercard will be announced in due course.The fight will be broadcast live in Namibia and China.

Shonena to tangle with China’s Dong

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-07

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Shonena to tangle with China’s Dong

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-07

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