Uutoni evolves into top boxer
It may have taken him a while to turn professional but Jafet Uutoni is fast on his way to becoming a fighter of note, his promoter Nestor Tobias says.
Uutoni recently won the WBO International flyweight title after beating South Africa’s Bongani Silila by TKO in the ninth round of their fight, which took place at the Ngoako Ramathlodi Sports Complex in Seshego, Limpopo, South Africa.
That victory has lined the boxer up for bigger things, Tobias told Namibian Sun yesterday.
“We can get any boxer the opportunity to fight but they still need to perform when they are in the ring. And Uutoni grabbed his opportunity and for sure he’ll be in the top 10 [boxers in his weight division] soon,” the renowned promoter/trainer said.
The 36-year-old Uutoni is well known as one of Namibia’s most successful amateur fighters.
He won a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and has represented Namibia at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
That extensive record has come to his advantage Tobias states.
“His amateur record speaks for itself… He started slow in the professional ranks but, because he is a much disciplined boxer he can go even further than where he is right now.”
Going further would entail the boxer vying for the world title in the near future.
“But first we have to defend this title and we are already talking of a rematch with Silila as the WBO rules state that we have to defend the title in 120 days.
“That could happen in July or latest August. You see, when you are in Africa, you have to work your way up to become a mandatory challenger so that the champion is forced to fight you since we can’t rely on television rights,” Tobias explained.
According to the promoter, Uutoni, who has a record of 12 fights, 11 wins and a solitary loss, is back in the gym and ready to continue his rise in the pro ranks.
“He is still young in the pro ranks but I am sure he can make it,” Tobias declares.
HECTOR MAWONGA
Uutoni recently won the WBO International flyweight title after beating South Africa’s Bongani Silila by TKO in the ninth round of their fight, which took place at the Ngoako Ramathlodi Sports Complex in Seshego, Limpopo, South Africa.
That victory has lined the boxer up for bigger things, Tobias told Namibian Sun yesterday.
“We can get any boxer the opportunity to fight but they still need to perform when they are in the ring. And Uutoni grabbed his opportunity and for sure he’ll be in the top 10 [boxers in his weight division] soon,” the renowned promoter/trainer said.
The 36-year-old Uutoni is well known as one of Namibia’s most successful amateur fighters.
He won a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games and has represented Namibia at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
That extensive record has come to his advantage Tobias states.
“His amateur record speaks for itself… He started slow in the professional ranks but, because he is a much disciplined boxer he can go even further than where he is right now.”
Going further would entail the boxer vying for the world title in the near future.
“But first we have to defend this title and we are already talking of a rematch with Silila as the WBO rules state that we have to defend the title in 120 days.
“That could happen in July or latest August. You see, when you are in Africa, you have to work your way up to become a mandatory challenger so that the champion is forced to fight you since we can’t rely on television rights,” Tobias explained.
According to the promoter, Uutoni, who has a record of 12 fights, 11 wins and a solitary loss, is back in the gym and ready to continue his rise in the pro ranks.
“He is still young in the pro ranks but I am sure he can make it,” Tobias declares.
HECTOR MAWONGA
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