Covid-19 impact rips boxer apart

Covid-19 impact rips boxer apart Sponsors withdraw from Danny Boy Not only has he lost his title, the super lightweight boxer has lost the support of those who could potentially help him get it back. Jesse Jackson Kauraisa







WINDHOEK

Super lightweight boxer Albinius ‘Danny Boy’ Felesianu has hit rock bottom and is pleading with corporate Namibia and anyone who can help him get back in the ring.

The boxer, who held the IBF Africa Continental Super lightweight title for close to three years, has been hard hit by the pandemic, which saw his sponsors Varta Namibia, Kalahari Car Hire and Auto Perfect pull the plug on their support.

The Swakopmund-based fighter was stripped of his belt because he couldn’t defend it in time due to financial constraints.

“It is a very heartbreaking time for me as a boxer because I lost all hope I had. I need help as soon as possible,” he said.

“The virus came and ripped me apart, given that I lost my sponsors and title in the process.

“I can understand why the sponsors left and that is because they were not making enough money to sustain me and their businesses,” Felesianu said.

Neglected coastal fighters

Having fought under several promoters, including the MTC Salute Academy, the fighter said he feels that coastal boxers are neglected.

The boxer expressed dismay over the fact that many only tend to focus on and look after those in Windhoek.

Having started his career in 2007, he said he could have contested for world titles had he received the same treatment as those living in the central parts of the country.

“I will, however, really appreciate anyone or company that can come on board and help me accomplish my dreams.

“All I want to do is fight again so that I can reclaim my title and probably also go for bigger titles,” he said.

“I have been so depressed about the whole situation. It saddens me that I can’t do what I love the most.”

Since going professional in 2007, he has a record of 18 wins, two loses and one draw.

His first professional fight was against Matheus Niitembu on 20 March 2007.