The untold story of Nakathila

A sergeant in the Namibian Police force and a man with principles, boxer Jeremiah Nakathila has been one of the most impressive fighters of the current generation.

His tremendous record of 11 professional fights with seven knockouts and only one defeat to his name has earned the 26-year old tonnes of respect.

Just like many successful boxers, his admiration for American boxing great Floyd Mayweather keeps him moving despite the hurdles along his journey.

Born on 17 December 1989 at Eunda-Uukolonkadhi in the Omusati Region, the boxer remains hopeful of winning a world title.

Nakathila attended school at the Ombome Combined School before going to Sam Nuyoma High School in the northern region of the country.

The journey of him becoming one of the most respected Namibians in the ring began way back when he was just 19.

“I loved boxing ever since I was young, but the only way I could make my dreams come alive was by making a move to Windhoek.

“I did that and so I joined the Soweto Boxing Club owned by Tobias Nashilongo and Elifas Namundjebo back in 2009,” Nakathila said.

In his early career, 'No respect' grew confidence and fought amateur fights in Cuba, Spain, Morocco, South Africa and Botswana whereby he bagged countless victories.

He was then introduced to the professional boxing world in a debut fight against fellow Namibian David Shinuna in 2013.

Nakathila's debut was one he will never forget after sending his Namibian opponent down to the canvas.

This was a sign that a new kid with the ability to dance in the ring had emerged and it was inevitable that he is destined for greatness.

After his debut fight, Nakathila went on to win eight of his fights before he getting his first crack at an African title.

The title fight happened in a night that Nakathila could not afford to lose if he was to continue with his remarkable boxing career.

The man from Eunda-Uukolonkadhi passed his first biggest test when he defeated Jasper Seroka by a knockout to clinch the interim WBO Africa Super Featherweight title on 6 August 2016.

“That was one of the happiest days of my life, because I had finally won an African title which opened doors for me.

“Boxing has been my passion and winning that title meant so much for me,” Nakathila remembers the famous night.

Winning the famous title put the brave Nakathila in demand as his name began expanding in the boxing world.

It only took a few months and the Namibian got a crack at fighting for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental Super Featherweight title fight in Moscow.

Nakathila faced Evgeny Chuprakov away from home on 18 November 2016 in a night where he had hoped for a knockout against a dangerous Russian boxer.

Things did however not turn out as planned for the Namibian and he lost his first professional bout of his career after putting up a great show against one of the world's dangerous fighters.

“That fight has so far been my biggest disappointment because I so badly wanted to win to have a possible chance of fighting for a world title,” he said.

Since then, Nakathila has been back in the gym working hard and chasing his dreams of winning a world title one day.

“Apart from boxing, I do enjoy swimming and I also do love teaching people how to drive because I find it very fun,” he said.

His advice to young and upcoming boxers is that they must never think of giving up on their dreams regardless of how tough it is.

“The young must also study hard and at the same time take part in their favourite sports with discipline and consistency.”

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa