Maria David
BOXING at its best was on display Saturday at Oshana’s Oshakati Independence Stadium where the MTC Young Shall Grow boxing bonanza part two was held under the banner of MTC-Kilimanjaro Boxing Club.
The MTC Young Shall Grow initiative was introduced to discover raw talent in the northern areas of the country and turn young boxers into champions.
A total of 24 bouts from northern boxers were on display. They were from 11 clubs within the four O-regions. In 2021, the initiative attracted 38 boxers. This year, 48 boxers from Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto took part, proof that more boxing matches are needed.
Like most events, one expects the same traditional boxing bonanza with the same boxers and same audience, yet for the part two initiative, a cheerful crowd was one of the many things one could not miss as they entered the stadium.
Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni, who is the patron of MTC-Kilimanjaro Boxing Club, and Oshana governor Elia Irimari attended the event too.
Stealing the night, 24-year-old Petrus Haimbodi from Chris Junior Boxing Club managed to deliver a technical knockout in the second round after his opponent threw in the towel.
He only started boxing in 2020 after he was inspired by 12-year-old Frans Angula better known as ‘Mosquito’ in the boxing ring.
“I am ready for bigger fights on the professional level,” he said.
Haimbodi urged fellow boxers to never give up and always put all efforts into boxing or other sports activities to achieve their dreams.
Who said a first-time boxer in the ring cannot shine? This was proven when 20-year-old Teofelus Nekongo from MTC-Kilimanjaro knocked out his opponent during his first ring match.
Even more impressive were the exciting blows of left and right jabs Nekongo was giving to his challenger, a moment Nekongo said he would be looking back feeling proud of himself.
Nekongo started his boxing career at Eenhana and quit after some time. He was back in the ring again in 2022 under MTC-Kilimanjaro Boxing Club, after he was inspired by Namibian champion Jeremia Shanyengange Nakathila, well-known as “Low Key”.
Nekongo said he foresees himself as a world champion and flying the Namibian flag high.
MTC-Kilimanjaro’s amateur king Trofimus Johannes was the man many would not have missed as he continues to deliver perfect punches to his opponent to claim victory.
After the second edition of the MTC-Young Shall Grow, founder of MTC-Kilimanjaro Club Joseph Benhard said they are trying to get champions and groom the boxers from amateur level to professional.
He said some of the boxers are expected to fight their first professional match in October 2022.
