Violent boxers 'need help'

Namibia has experienced unruly behaviour from local boxers over the years, with several involved in cases of homicide, abuse and theft.

The Land of the Brave is not the only nation which has seen such violent behaviour from boxers; many other countries have experienced similar problems.

Many people have laid charges of assault against boxers and others were physically abused in their homes by their boxer partners.

It has become a common problem among boxers, who tend to be naturally aggressive.

Recently, a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was opened against Namibia's light heavyweight boxer Wilberforce Shihepo, aka 'Black Mamba', after he allegedly choked Xavier Beukes in a bar at Rehoboth last Saturday night.

Shihepo also faces four charges related to a car accident that took place on 28 October 2017, about 30km south of Okahandja.

He is charged with culpable homicide, another count of failing to stop at the scene, removing the vehicle from the position it came to rest in and failing to ascertain the injuries of persons involved in the accident.

In 2002 another Namibian icon, Harry Simon, was involved in a gruesome car crash in which several people died. He was found guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced to jail in 2007. Simon was released in 2009.

Many people also complained of physical and verbal abuse from the undefeated champion.

In 2016 Paulus 'Hitman' Moses was arrested for assaulting an individual in Tsumeb.

Vikapita 'Beast Master' Meroro has also faced several problems with the law for assault and threats to individuals.

American boxing great Mike Tyson is a perfect example of unruly behaviour by boxers.

In 1992, Tyson was convicted of rape and sentenced to six years in prison, but was released on parole after serving three years. He also faced several other assault charges during his boxing career.

Some boxers, however, have never been accused of assault.

Trainer Immanuel Moses advises boxers to steer clear of bad friends and hanging around bars.

“As an athlete, it is important to avoid the intake of alcohol because it can cause a person to become violent.

“It is also hanging out at spots which are not socially friendly which can lead a person into brawls.

“Drinking alcohol or being at every party does not make you a perfect athlete.

“I would also advise those that see themselves as threats to society to seek professional help,” Moses said.

Paulus 'The Rock' Ambunda and Julius Indongo are two of the boxers with squeaky-clean records.

“I do believe the best thing is to always remain humble in public and never do wrong things as a human being,” says Ambunda.

“However, sometimes it is also important that we seek help for those that tend to be aggressive.

“Sometimes you will judge a person's behaviour, but you do not know what is actually wrong with them.”

Indongo believes that self-respect and discipline are important in order to avoid ending up in public brawls.

“You have to be kind to anyone and that is something born within a person.

“Some people, however, become lucky enough to learn about discipline from a young age.

“I do believe the society some people grow up in plays a role in how they behave in public.

“As a boxer, you can become mentally touched over a period of time given the blows one takes to the head.

“It is therefore important that people who behave in such manner are checked out and given help to avoid causing harm to society.”