Ndjolonimus’ reputation grows

Limba MupetamiWindhoek

Ranked number seven in the world, Paulinus ‘John John’ Ndjolonimus dreams of one day surpassing his opponents to claim the top spot in the super middleweight division.

The 35-year-old boxer, who grew up in Oshikuku in Ondobo village, was raised by his grandmother and aunt. From a young age, they instilled discipline and taught him to respect everyone.

Ndjolonimus, who attended Ondobo Combined School as a young boy, said that the boxing bug bit him after he saw former Namibian boxing great Harry Simon Senior on television. “Later on, I started watching the likes of Frans ‘Rambo’ Hantindi, Paulus ‘Hitman’ Moses and Paulus ‘El Jesus’ Ambunda,” he said.

Towards a dream

“I was very tall for my age and started fighting big boys at school. I would imitate the moves of the boxers I saw on TV. I had a cousin who was also into the sport, so when he visited, I would steal his boxing gloves and go to school with them. The boys had a tough time because I would wear the gloves and punch them,” Ndjolonimus said, chuckling.

“When I came to Windhoek from the village, my cousin Nakwambi took me to MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Promotions. I joined immediately. When I joined, I found the likes of trainer Siegfried ‘SBK’ Kaperu and the rest is history.

“There was a process to get into the national team. After a year, I got into the regional team, and since then, the game of boxing has taken me over.”

Building a reputation

However, his big break locally came when he had to face Anthony Jarmann for the WBO Africa super middleweight title.

“People started noticing me after I defeated Jarmann. I had few fights compared to him. I only had 11 fights; Jarmann was the champion with about 22 fights. It was a test for me. I didn’t have fear, but Jarmann gave me a good hiding even though I eventually won via knockout in the last round.

“When it was time for the rematch, people said that I won the first fight through luck. I said fine. I’m the champion; let me go and prove myself to everyone. In the second round, I finished the work.”

Among what he describes as one of his best career performances, Ndjolonimus points to a fight against Ghanaian Delali Miledzi in October last year.

“The latter gave me problems because he is short. But to fight a better boxer means you also get better. He came with the promise of beating me up. I told him the result would come in the ring; he didn’t see how he kissed the canvas.”

Lessons acquired

The boxer believes his success comes from discipline. “Boxing teaches one discipline, and you earn respect from everyone. It has changed my life. I stay away from wrong places and bad people.

“I’m glad to be the champion, but there is more to achieve. I want to be the WBO champion. But no one will give me that on a silver platter. I have to work hard for it.

“There are six guys in front of me in the ranks, which I still need to face. The likes of Mexican professional fighter Canelo Álvarez and Americans Caleb Plant and Demetrius Andrade. I can never speak badly about them. They also worked hard for it. I respect them. You stay number one if you keep your discipline. I’m not scared of them; this is a job. But at some point, we will cross paths.

“I have a lot of hope. I will continue to improve where I can, as I always listen to my fans’ criticism as well.”

Gratitude

The boxer thanked his family, his fans, and the street vendors on the street, who he said give him cool drinks and urge him to continue boxing.

“I fight for those guys and have to thank them as well. I have to always thank Nestor Tobias and our sponsor and everyone pushing me,” he concluded.