• Boxing

Jon Jon makes it 19-0

• 3 Days Ago 18 November 2024

Namibian boxing took centre stage on Saturday night as its finest professional fighters delivered thrilling victories at the MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing & Fitness Academy’s “Your Vote Counts” boxing bonanza.

Held at a packed Windhoek Country Club, the event’s main fight saw lanky Paulinus “John John” Ndjolonimus retain his prestigious WBO Africa super middleweight belt with a dramatic knockout of Ghana’s Abubakar Mubarak after landing a powerful straight right hand to the chin.

The undefeated Namibian (19-0, 17 knockouts) initially found it challenging to navigate Mubarak’s compact frame, defensive strategy and counter-attacking overhand rights, but in typical fashion his patience and belief in the effect of his punching power paid off.

The Ghanaian camp was visibly upset when South African referee Clifford Mbelu waved off the fight despite Mubarak rising to his feet before the count reached eight and appearing ready to continue.

At the age of 37, time is not on Ndjolonimus’ side as his promoter Nestor Tobias aims to capitalise on his impressive WBO world ranking spot (fourth) in the 76.2 kg division.

Reflecting on the victory, Ndjolonimus said: “He is short and I am a tall man. He used that to his advantage, but when I saw the opening, I took it. Boom! Down!”

Mubarak expressed disappointment with the referee’s decision to stop the fight. “The referee counted too quickly and didn’t give me a fair chance. But I respect Ndjolonimus; he’s a tough, tall opponent.”



The Beast’s power

In the co-main event, Mateus “The Beast” Heita overwhelmed Zimbabwe’s Tatenda Biningu to secure the WBO Africa featherweight title.

Heita’s relentless aggression culminated in a devastating flurry of punches at the end of the fifth round, forcing Biningu’s corner to call an end to the fight before the start of the sixth. For Heita (now 13-0), the victory further cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s foremost featherweight prospects.



Nakathila’s merciless finish

Jeremiah Nakathila delivered an emphatic performance with a first-round knockout of Zimbabwe’s Tafazwa Nushando. The Namibian delivered an explosive start and dropped his opponent twice, first with a body punch and then a straight right to the face, underlining his elite-level power, skill and ruthlessness.



Undercard highlights

Jonathan Kasheeta became the new national bantamweight champion by defeating Nestor Thomas for the second time this year.

Heavyweight (4 rounds): Naftalie Shooya defeated Anesu Motsi.

Welterweight (6 rounds): Emmanuel Mungandjela triumphed over Freeman Mabvongwe.

Junior Lightweight (6 rounds): Martin Mukungu knocked out Nicanor Halwendo in the third round.

Junior Welterweight (6 rounds): Alfeus Shanika beat Johannes Frela.

Featherweight (4 rounds): Frederick Nghutenanye beat Herman John.

Lightweight (4 rounds): Tangeni Salomon beat Jonas Lukas.

Welterweight (4 rounds): Josef Ampeya overcame Nestor Amukoto.



A night to remember

The “Your Vote Counts Boxing Bonanza” was a celebration of Namibian boxing excellence, with local stars rising to the occasion in front of an enthusiastic crowd. The event delivered unforgettable moments and also solidified Namibia’s reputation as a powerhouse of African boxing.