‘Harry Simon will meet his match’ – Ninja

Boxing
Sending out a positive message to the youth is an important theme for both men, who have had their separate run-ins with the law.
Mariud Ngula
  • 1 Week Ago 04 October 2024
“I have boxed in the past with kickboxing and mixed martial arts ... it’s all part of the fight game. Harry Simon is about to meet his match.”

High-profile ex-convict Paulus ‘Ninja’ Shimweefeleni fearlessly declared his challenge to undefeated former two-weight world champion Harry ‘The Terminator’ Simon.

The exhibition fight on 7 December was announced by MTC Salute Boxing Academy in Windhoek yesterday, with the venue yet to be confirmed.

In response, Simon said: “I am 100% ready to make this match happen, and I am happy he said I am going to meet my match. He will answer for it in the ring.”



Campaigners against crime

Shimweefeleni’s Ninja Against Crime brand, responding to public demand, teamed up with Simon’s Onkugo Promotions in collaboration with Salute’s promotional clout, to host an event aimed at raising awareness against crime.

Sending out a positive message to the youth is an important theme for both men.

The tall and muscular 54-year-old former gang leader Shimweefeleni served a 25-year sentence for murder until earlier this year, while Simon’s once-flourishing career as a world champion was also derailed in his prime by a prison sentence from 2007 to 2009 for culpable homicide, for his role in a fatal car crash.

The boxing academy’s representative, Jason Naule, stated that “Ninja” is rebranding himself with support from Harry Simon.

As an academy that promotes boxing, Salute seized the opportunity to host the event.

Naule emphasised that, despite its exhibition status, the actual fight will be very real.

“We vividly remember MTC’s recent exhibition that featured knock-outs. The public can expect no less from this event,” he said.

“It will be an exciting event, with professional bouts on the card, but for now, we are only announcing the main attraction.”



Race to host the fight

Regarding the venue, Naule mentioned they are still negotiating, as “many individuals from different regions” have expressed interest in hosting the fight. They are evaluating which region can meet the necessary logistical requirements.

Naule emphasised the fight represents more than just entertainment, as “it carries a strong message to raise awareness about crime, gender-based violence and other social evils we face today.”

“We are supporting Ninja in his quest to deliver this message. Harry, being the champion, also felt the need to support this important cause. We are all united in spreading the message that crime and social evils must come to an end,” he noted.

Onkugo Promotions brand manager, Silvanus Lotto, said they came on board following media reports that the police had recorded 110 551 criminal cases between 2023 and last year.

“These alarming statistics led Simon to realise that the boy child needs extra intervention,” he said.



‘Ninja will feel the power of Simon’s punch’

Lotto said with Simon’s unblemished professional record of 31 fights and 31 wins, “Ninja is about to feel the power of his punch in what will be the biggest unsanctioned fight in the country – held in the name of raising awareness for a safer Namibia.”

“We have recently signed a letter of intent with a former American world champion to have an exhibition match with Harry Simon. The event will showcase Simon’s legacy as the longest undefeated boxer in the world, with over 30 years of dominance,” Lotto said.

Ninja Against Crime brand manager, Peter Kanu Amadhila, said Shimweefeleni feels he owes a great deal to the community for the years he lost during his time in the correctional facility.

“We thus launched this brand to fulfil his desire to give back to the community by engaging with those involved in criminal activities – whether gangs, organised crime or individuals in correctional facilities – and help guide them toward change.

“Our brand is dedicated to charitable work and also focuses on addressing gender-based violence,” Amadhila said.

Simon’s most recent appearance as a professional fighter was a November 2018 second-round TKO win against Kaminjah Ramadhan of Tanzania at the Ramatex hall.

– [email protected]