Sheyapo a champion in the making, says Nestor

Boxing
The country has long been searching for prospects in the heavier weight classes.
Andrew Poolman
  • 1 Week Ago 26 November 2024
Boxing promoter Nestor Tobias has expressed his excitement regarding the emergence of a possible Namibian contender on the heavyweight division.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am thrilled to introduce to you our future heavyweight champion in Naftalie Sheyapo, who weighs 110 kg, stands at 1.92 metres and boasts an impressive record of two fights, two wins and two knockouts,” Tobias wrote in a press statement.

On 16 November, the 29-year-old Sheyapo achieved a first-round knockout victory over Anele Bafana of Zimbabwe during the Your Vote Counts boxing bonanza at Windhoek Country Club.

The Zimbabwean had won both his previous two professional encounters against Courage Takawira (of Zimbabwe, on debut) and Alick Gogoda (Tanzania) by first-round KOs.

“Sheyapo looks promising indeed. Over the years our country and MTC Sunshine Promotions have produced many great fighters in different weight classes, but we have struggled to find a stand-out heavyweight.

“I believe we have now found our heavyweight champion in this towering fighter from Walvis Bay. He is currently training at the MTC Sunshine Boxing Gym in Windhoek, generously sponsored by both PstBet and MTC Sunshine Promotions.

“To nurture our heavyweight prospect into a champion, it is crucial to maintain an active fight schedule and provide him with challenging opponents. A proper diet, comprehensive training programs, and mental and physical fitness are all essential components of his development.

“To make this vision a reality, we must enlist the support of investors who are willing to invest in our country's boxing talent. By demonstrating the potential for success and the resources available in Namibia, we can convince potential backers to support our cause. As a boxing promoter, my goal for the coming year is to have our heavyweight prospect fight five times, with the fifth bout being a WBO regional title match against worthy opponents.

“Namibia is blessed with abundant talent and with the right financial support we can achieve great success in individual sports codes. We have the potential to nurture a heavyweight champion who can rival the likes of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. This will put Namibia on the world map and bring glory to our nation.

“The promise and potential of Naftalie Sheyapo cannot be overstated. With height, speed and a skill set that make him a force to be feared within the ring, coupled with his quick reflexes and footwork, Sheyapo's future is indeed bright.

“As a stable, we extend our best wishes and support to this rising star, confident that his talent and dedication will take him far.”