Redemption night for Namibian champions
Boxing
The stage is set for an electrifying night of boxing at the Windhoek Country Club this Saturday as the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing & Fitness Academy, co-sponsored by PstBet, presents “WBO Africa Titles Redemption.”
Headlining the event, Mateus ‘The Beast’ Heita will look to reclaim glory when he faces Clement Leko of Benin for the vacant WBO Africa Featherweight title.
At Wednesday's, promoter Nestor Tobias revealed that Heita’s opponent experienced travel delays.
“Heita’s opponent unfortunately is not here ,his flight was delayed in Johannesburg but he arrived later in the day,” Tobias explained.
Reflecting on Heita’s journey, Tobias said the Namibian star is eager to bounce back after his July defeat in New York.
For the first time in his career, Heita stepped into the global spotlight at Madison Square Garden, where he faced America’s Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington for the WBC Interim Featherweight World Title.
Despite a valiant effort over 12 rounds, Heita suffered a unanimous decision loss, with all three judges scoring 120–108 in favour of Carrington.
Speaking ahead of his redemption bout, Heita said he is ready to prove himself once again.
“I’m going to redeem my WBO Africa title on Saturday. I’m ready for the fight. People will always judge you by your last performance, but that fight was a learning experience for me. It was my first time fighting away from home, and now I’m coming back stronger,” said Heita.
In another much-anticipated clash, Paulinus ‘John John’ Ndjolonimus will finally meet Snamiso Ntuli of South Africa for the vacant WBO Africa Super Middleweight Title. The bout was originally scheduled for April but was postponed after Ndjolonimus fell ill.
“This time it’s me and you in the ring,” said Ndjolonimus. “Last time there was just a small issue, but come Saturday, you’ll see what will happen in the ring.”
Meanwhile, Harry Simon Jnr will also feature on the card after a late opponent change.
“Harry Simon Jnr’s opponent pulled out, so we had to find a replacement. It’s very difficult to cancel a fight when a boxer has trained so hard,” Tobias said. “We wanted him to fight for a title, but now he will compete for a world rating. Our goal is to get him into the top 15 globally. He’s a very talented son of the soil.”
Simon Jnr expressed his disappointment but vowed to deliver an explosive performance. “It’s always disappointing when your opponent pulls out, but we are preparing for bigger things and bigger fights,” he said. “We’re not focused on just one guy, anyone can come, anyone can get it. I’m going to put him down and show you the best Harry yet. More good things are coming from me and my team.”
The undercard will feature several national and international bouts showcasing Namibia’s rising boxing talent.
Naftalie Sheyapo will challenge veteran Vikapita “Beast Master” Meroro for the Namibian Heavyweight Title, while Erastus Shapaka takes on Simon Festus for the Super Flyweight National Title.
In other supporting bouts, Martin Mukungu meets Matheus Reinhold in a six-round lightweight contest, and Joy Nangolo faces Fabian Lamek in a six-round bantamweight showdown.
Young prospects such as Jose Ndjululwa, Johanness Frela, Paulus Filipus, and Elias Moongela will also be in action early in the evening.
Promoted under the banner “No Pain, No Gain,” this weekend’s event promises to be one of the most thrilling nights on Namibia’s boxing calendar. Tickets are N$200 for general admission and N$20,000 for VIP tables.
Headlining the event, Mateus ‘The Beast’ Heita will look to reclaim glory when he faces Clement Leko of Benin for the vacant WBO Africa Featherweight title.
At Wednesday's, promoter Nestor Tobias revealed that Heita’s opponent experienced travel delays.
“Heita’s opponent unfortunately is not here ,his flight was delayed in Johannesburg but he arrived later in the day,” Tobias explained.
Reflecting on Heita’s journey, Tobias said the Namibian star is eager to bounce back after his July defeat in New York.
For the first time in his career, Heita stepped into the global spotlight at Madison Square Garden, where he faced America’s Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington for the WBC Interim Featherweight World Title.
Despite a valiant effort over 12 rounds, Heita suffered a unanimous decision loss, with all three judges scoring 120–108 in favour of Carrington.
Speaking ahead of his redemption bout, Heita said he is ready to prove himself once again.
“I’m going to redeem my WBO Africa title on Saturday. I’m ready for the fight. People will always judge you by your last performance, but that fight was a learning experience for me. It was my first time fighting away from home, and now I’m coming back stronger,” said Heita.
In another much-anticipated clash, Paulinus ‘John John’ Ndjolonimus will finally meet Snamiso Ntuli of South Africa for the vacant WBO Africa Super Middleweight Title. The bout was originally scheduled for April but was postponed after Ndjolonimus fell ill.
“This time it’s me and you in the ring,” said Ndjolonimus. “Last time there was just a small issue, but come Saturday, you’ll see what will happen in the ring.”
Meanwhile, Harry Simon Jnr will also feature on the card after a late opponent change.
“Harry Simon Jnr’s opponent pulled out, so we had to find a replacement. It’s very difficult to cancel a fight when a boxer has trained so hard,” Tobias said. “We wanted him to fight for a title, but now he will compete for a world rating. Our goal is to get him into the top 15 globally. He’s a very talented son of the soil.”
Simon Jnr expressed his disappointment but vowed to deliver an explosive performance. “It’s always disappointing when your opponent pulls out, but we are preparing for bigger things and bigger fights,” he said. “We’re not focused on just one guy, anyone can come, anyone can get it. I’m going to put him down and show you the best Harry yet. More good things are coming from me and my team.”
The undercard will feature several national and international bouts showcasing Namibia’s rising boxing talent.
Naftalie Sheyapo will challenge veteran Vikapita “Beast Master” Meroro for the Namibian Heavyweight Title, while Erastus Shapaka takes on Simon Festus for the Super Flyweight National Title.
In other supporting bouts, Martin Mukungu meets Matheus Reinhold in a six-round lightweight contest, and Joy Nangolo faces Fabian Lamek in a six-round bantamweight showdown.
Young prospects such as Jose Ndjululwa, Johanness Frela, Paulus Filipus, and Elias Moongela will also be in action early in the evening.
Promoted under the banner “No Pain, No Gain,” this weekend’s event promises to be one of the most thrilling nights on Namibia’s boxing calendar. Tickets are N$200 for general admission and N$20,000 for VIP tables.
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