Nestor’s boxers preparing well

Prominent promoter Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias has expressed excitement over the desire of his boxers in the gym ahead of their upcoming boxing bonanza slated for 12 April. The event to be held at the Windhoek Showgrounds will pay tribute to the late founding father of the Namibian Nation, Dr Sam Nujoma. Tobias has lined up some of his finest boxers in the stable to trade leather with other boxers. The promoter says he has been highly impressed in the past couple of weeks with the commitment shown by those who will be in action. “I know these guys have always been ready, but there is just a different sort of energy towards the preparations this time around. “I strongly believe that it has to do with the fact that most of them want to honour the founding father in style with convincing performances,” Tobias said. MTC remains the main sponsor of the event while PstBet is the co-sponsor of the stable set to host continental fights. Mateus “The Beast” Heita – ranked 13th in the world by the WBO – will look to retain his undefeated record of 14 wins (nine by knockout) as he defends his WBO Africa featherweight title against South Africa’s Abdul-Aziz Kunert (12-3-1, three knockouts).Super middleweight Paulinus “John John” Ndjolonimus – ranked fourth in the world by the WBO – will defend his WBO Africa title and his 19-fight unbeaten record (17 KOs) as he takes on South Africa’s Snamiso Ntuli (8-5-1, four KOs). The night’s main event will see world-level super bantamweight contender Fillipus “Energy” Nghitumbwa – ranked ninth by the WBO – face Zimbabwe’s Hassan Milanzi (13-3-1) in a bid to retain his WBO Africa title. Nghitumbwa boasts a record of 17 fights, with 15 wins, 13 of which came by knockout, and two losses on points. Tobias said: “I am inviting all fans to come in numbers and witness these top fights. All I can tell you is that these guys are willing to show you what they have been working on in the gym.”Ex-gangster to face HeitaSouth Africa’s Abdul-Aziz Kunert is living proof that one’s past should not completely define who we are as human beings, The Sowetan wrote in February 2020.Having left school in 2010, Kunert, from Brooklyn in Cape Town, became a member of the Number 28 gang, which is one of the most feared in South Africa.In the gang it is important to prove your manhood and move up the rankings through stabbing or killing of rival gang members or disobedient members.“At the age of 15 I took a number 28 to show that I am a real man," said Kunert, who was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 12 years in prison in 2014. Five years of his sentence was suspended.Kunert was released on parole in 2017.The boxing bug bit him while serving time at Drakenstein Correctional Centre, formerly Victor Verster prison.Kunert was introduced to boxing by former professional boxer Sandile Hoho, who was also serving a jail term and trained boxers at the prison.Professional boxing trainer Emil Brice was then asked to organise an amateur tournament in the prison in 2014. Kunert took part and won the tournament.After his release from prison Kunert joined Elaine Kalekuzi, who guided him to five straight wins in pro boxing.“I never stopped looking for him," said Brice. Eventually the two were reunited and Kunert has never looked back. Kunert was undefeated after 10 fights and was rated the nr 3 contender for the SA featherweight belt.“Abdul has reformed tremendously," assured Brice.Kunert sprang a surprise in December 2019 when he stopped former WBF Intercontinental and IBO International bantamweight champion Mfusi Maxhayi in only two rounds.Just like Mike Tyson, Kunert converted to Islam while in jail.Kunert, who has never been knocked out despite three professional losses on points, dedicates his fights to his late younger brother who was gunned down while he was still in jail.In a media interview published on social media this week, Kunert said: “I have a shot at a WBO African title and to enter the world rankings.“Heita looks strong, a fighter that keeps going forward, but whatever ... I believe he has not fought anyone at my level. I’m coming to fetch the belt and become a champion. The lion inside is waking up on fight night.”Under-card announcedThe first fights at the Windhoek Showgrounds are scheduled to start at 16:00, with a full fifteen fights on the programme.Notable pre-bouts include heavyweights Max Iipinge v Martin Simasiku (6 rounds); junior lightweight Martin Mukungu v Silas Shangwadjua; bantamweights Nestor Thomas v Teofilus Nashilongo; junior welterweights Alfeus Shaanika (11W 1L 1D) v Erastus Filemon (1W 3L 1D).The super flyweight national title will be contested over ten rounds between Erastus Shapaka (2W 1D) v Festus Simon (2W 5L), before the junior lightweights Lineekela Nghifindaka (7W 2L) and Immanuel Andeleki (10W 8L 1D) will meet.Another Namibian national title fight at featherweight is scheduled for ten rounds between Fredrick Nghutenanye (10-0) and David Shinuna (7W 10L 3D)Heavyweight prospect Naftalie Sheyapo (2-0; 2 KOs) will fight an international opponent who is yet to be announced.

Nestor’s boxers preparing well

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