Future champs showcase boxing skills at Swakop

The Night of Champions boxing tournament showcased some rising stars in Namibia's boxing fraternity.

The main bout of the 'Night of Champions' boxing tournament in Swakopmund on Saturday night lasted

for about a minute.

Rising star Pieter Kotze (17) of Windhoek's Chiappini Boxing Club recorded a technical knock-out (TKO) over Sheshe James from Swakopmund.

The tournament hosted by Danny Team (TDT) Boxing Academy which belongs to Namibian professional boxer, Albinius Felesianu (Danny Boy), presents an opportunity for future boxing champions to showcase their fights, as well as to enjoy some more experience in the ring.

There were 15 fights of three rounds each. One knockout was recorded in the earlier fights. The main bout was however between Kotze and James who is Kotze's senior in years. Spectators were hoping to enjoy a good set of tactical fists of power between the two boxers.

There were some hard punches coming from both sides, but after a minute the fight was called off after James sustained an injury to the eye. James considered continuing the fight but his coach and the referee called it off - especially considering that there was no medic present.

Everyone was amazed when Kotze was awarded a TKO.

"That was too short," said Gino Chiappini, Kotze's coach and owner of Chiappini Boxing Club. "We were hoping for some good preparation for Kotze before he takes part in the Khomas boxing champs."

This was Kotze's second win at a TDT tournament. About a month ago, he floored his opponent and won with a knock-out. "We expect big things from him. He is very strong and punches very hard. We are looking forward to see his progress," Felesianu told Erongo 24/7.