Tobias supports amateur boxers

Local boxing promoter Nestor Tobias says even the best professional boxers started at amateur level, and this is why his stable hosted an amateur boxing tournament in Windhoek's Grysblok over the weekend.

“The likes of Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roy Jones have a good background of amateur boxing. We want to work with regional promoters to make this a success. Sometimes the promoter can have funds, but if the federations are not in connection with promoters, we can’t use the funds," he said of the tournament.

“We fight overseas and as promoters, we get some cuts and want to invest back in the community, but we want to do it effectively. If you see some of these boys, they fight like seniors. We have spotted a lot of them and we want to work together to groom them," Tobias said, adding that they also want to help the national team by providing quality boxers.

"We want to do this all over the country. Next, we want to head to Omaruru, Gobabis and Grootfontein. We want to celebrate boxing talent and to unearth gems," he added.

A winner's mentality

A young boxer from After School Centre, Rebelo Doeseb, said he fought a level above his opponent. He added that he looks up to American boxer Shakur Stevenson and wants to achieve the best in boxing.

There was also a bout for female fighters, which saw Lakeisha van Wyk emerging victorious.

Van Wyk - who fights out of the Legends Academy in Rehoboth - said it was her fourth fight since she started boxing.

“This is my fourth fight. Before the fight, I was nervous and anxious. But I told myself to go into it with the mentality to win.”

She added that she draws inspiration from Robert 'Rocky' Balboa - also known by his ring name The Italian Stallion - a fictional character and the titular protagonist of the 'Rocky' film series.

To young female upcoming boxers, she said: “I don’t believe that girls can’t do certain sports. Girls are powerful. I want girls to stand with me and do whatever sport that they want”.

Results:

Juniors

Sartial Junior won against Rodrigues Bock

Halweendo Leonel lost against Lulu Afrikaner

Junior Gawanab lost against Shooya Nakathila

Lazarus Petrus lost against Joas Shuudifonya

Iyambo Gideon lost against Deli Twakala

Youth boxers (51kg)

Simson Gawanab defeated Gefrey Mwateuvi

Youth boxers (54 kg)

Mike Junior defeated Eliser Mwahafa

Erastus Ruben defeated Amon Likius

Rebelo Doeseb won against Asser Hashipapa

Fillemon Shimoshili lost against Thomas Ishimbwa

Female boxers

Naanda Shalongo lost to Lakeisha van Wyk

Seniors

Philips Hauseb (best boxer) defeated Amukwa Frans

Matias Shifidi lost against Veiko Shimbonde

Micksen Mweshohange defeated Jesaya Mbepo

Paulus Paulus lost against Naftal Naftal

Tobias Phillipus lost against Hifival Shikongo

Elifas Shailemo won by walkover

Simon Sheehama lost to Linekela Kandowa

Paulus Benny lost against Daniel Kalunga

Lazarus Jacob won by walkover

Simeon Edward vs Paulus Iipinge won by walkover

Alfeus Modino was beaten by Vaino Hangalo

Pieter Kotze beat Mathews Nangolo.