The Beast still untamed

The Together As One Part 7 boxing tournament did not disappoint. The event saw hundreds of avid boxing fans brave the chilli coastal weather for the sake of boxing action (12 bouts) at the Kuisebmond soccer stadium.

The main bout of the 12 fights on the evening saw Mateus 'The Beast' Heita defeating Jonas Matheus by unanimous decision with the judges scoring the 12-round fight 116-112, 119-111 and 115-113 in favour of the champion.

This feat ensured that 'The Beast' remained untamed and in doing so he also added the WBO Africa Super Bantamweight title to the WBA Pan-African title he already owns.

After the closely contested fight, Heita said that his encounter with Matheus was the toughest of his career to date.

“It was the first time that I had to go the distance and fight for a full 12 rounds. My plan was to tire him systematically. He was strong, also wanted to win the fight and really put me to the test.”

Heita rocked Matheus with a right hook which resulted in his opponent losing his mouthpiece in the eighth round. Matheus. on the other hand. had Heita against the ropes but could not find the killer punch he desperately needed in the final round.

Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes. who attended the fight. said Heita’s performance should serve as motivation for the corporate sector to come on board as sponsors for boxing events.

“We are producing good sportsmen. This was just the beginning and will fill up Kuisebmond stadium next time.”

Promoter Nestor Tobias said the fight did not disappoint.

“We had two Namibians who put up a good fight, competed to the best of their abilities. Kuisebmond produced our first boxing champion, Harry Simon, and now we have the unifier of two titles from the very same town.”

Tobias said the two boxers matched each other pound for pound.

“The fact that the two fighters could go toe to toe for 12 rounds, and doing so non-stop, shows that their fitness is at an exceptional level.”

He also reminded Namibians that it takes time and investment to produce champions.

“Boxing is about winning titles and championships. Developmental programmes are costly. All champions started their journey at grassroots level. We have many youngsters that are on the right track and who will come out on top. Our programmes are doing excellent. We just need sponsors to come in.”

Shaanika wins super bantamweight national title

Fillipus Shaanika defeated Julius Sheefeni by unanimous decision (96-97; 95-94 and 97;92) in a 10-round fight for the super bantamweight national title. Shaanika dropped Sheefeni in the first round. Sheefeni recovered and managed to see the fight through to its end.

Undercard fights

In other fights, Shangandjua Silas defeated Mervin Nehemia in a featherweight fight over four rounds. Andreas Shikongo and Shipau Deocar fought to a draw in a junior middleweight fight over four rounds. Thomas Gabriel defeated (split decision) Erastus Shapaka in a flyweight fight over four rounds.

Magreth Nangolo defeated (unanimous decision) John Rwish in a Junior Welterweight fight (54 kg) over four rounds.

Frederick Nghutenanye defeated (unanimous decision) Immanuel Jason in a featherweight fight over four rounds. Martin Mukungu defeated (unanimous decision) John Herman in a featherweight fight over six rounds.

Lineekela Nghifindaka defeated (unanimous decision) Anbrosius Kemunini in a junior lightweight fight over four rounds.

Nestor Thomas defeated Nashilongo Tiofelus by technical knockout in a bantamweight fight over 4 rounds. Max Ipinge dropped Thomas Limbandungila Jerobeam in the fourth round and went on to win (unanimous decision) their super middleweight fight over 6 rounds.