Energy rises to new level

Fillipus “Energy” Nghitumbwa became the new Africa super bantamweight title holder of the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) after beating Thato Bonokoane of South Africa.Bonokoane (22 pro fights, 14 wins, 9 knockouts, 3 draws, 5 losses) was knocked out by the 28-year-old Namibian in the first round of their title fight at the Windhoek Country Club on Saturday night. The Namibian needed only two minutes and 29 seconds to send the World Boxing Federation former Africa super bantamweight and intercontinental champion to the canvas after a brutal combination to the South African’s body and head.Energy now boasts a record of 13 wins (12 KOs) and two losses. Nghitumbwa lost his WBO Global super bantam title to John Riel Casimero of the Philippines in Manila by unanimous decision over 12 rounds in May this year. The margins were not huge, as judge Yuji Fukuchi scored the fight 112-114, while Edward Ligas and Martino Redona reckoned 110-116 should be the more accurate score.Nghitumbwa was ranked tenth by the WBO in May on their world rankings while Casimero was fifth. After his loss to Casimero the Namibian’s name disappeared from the WBO’s top-15 world rankings, while Casimero moved up to number four. After his victory on Saturday night and regaining the continental title, “Energy” should be able to make his way back to the WBO world rankings soon.Stand-out performancesThe main supporting bout between Matheus (The Beast) Heita and Abel Joseph over eight rounds in the featherweight division was an action-packed affair that lasted until round number four.The two boxers stood toe to toe exchanging brutal blows. But it was The Beast that got the upper hand, forcing a technical knockout when Joseph decided he had enough with barely a second left in round 4. Other results (bouts 1 to 7)1 Junior lightweight (58.97 kg), 4 rounds: David Johannes beat Edward Mbango on points.2 Welterweight (66.68 kg), 4 rounds: Nestor Amukoto defeated Shipahu Deacor by unanimous decision (36-40, 38-39, 36-40).3 Junior lightweight (58.97 kg), 4 rounds: Martin Mukungu beat Magret Nepembe by TKO in 2:49 of round one.4 Featherweight (57.15 kg), 6 rounds: Linekela Nghifindaka beat Emmanuel Jason by KO after 1:15 in round 3.5 Welterweight (66.68 kg), 8 rounds: Alfeus Shaanika beat Sakaria Amutjaa by unanimous decision (77-74, 78-73, 75-76). 6 Bantamweight (53.52 kg), 6 rounds: Nestor Thomas beat Matheus Nghikevali by KO after 2:34 in round 3.7 Catchweight (60 kg), 6 rounds: Sebastian Natanael beat Andreas Nghinaunye by TKO after 2:20 in round 5. – tielman@republikein.com.na

Energy rises to new level

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Energy rises to new level

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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