Otjiwarongo's amateur boxing bonanza a success NAMPATwenty-four boxers exchanged blows at the first-ever Otjiwarongo amateur boxing bonanza on Saturday.
Close to 300 people attended the event staged at the Namibian Development Corporation complex.
The boxers were from the Otjiwarongo Amateur Boxing Academy, Outjo Amateur Boxing Club in the Kunene Region and Kilimanjaro Boxing Club from Oshakati in the Oshana Region.
The 12 fights in different categories took place over three rounds each.
Johannes Vilho, 14, and 16-year-old Absalom Vilho, both from Outjo, won the junior categories against Petrus Mandume and Simon Jacobus.
In the 52kg to 54kg weight category, Paulus Ileka from Oshakati defeated Simson Frans from Otjiwarongo, while Paulus Hango beat Fillemon Nangolo, both from Otjiwarongo.
Tilenge Shipuleni defeated Kubukeis Simon (both from Otjiwarongo) on points, while Abraham Shalukeni from Otjiwarongo beat Jason Immanuel from Oshakati on points.
In the 64 to 69kg weight category, David Haufiku defeated Rasarus Kapunda (both from Otjiwarongo); Fellep Fellep from Oshakati beat Sofef Mutesia from Outjo; Ukalela Mureko defeated Wewill Fresianu (both from Otjiwarongo); and Likius Israel beat Eino Sem (both from Otjiwarongo).
Tomas Mundumbo of Outjo beat Johannes Kafidi from Otjiwarongo in the 69kg to 75kg category.
Pavo Braipack of Oshakati won his fight on a technical knockout in the second round against Frarruko Kakololo from Otjiwarongo in the 81kg weight category.
Meanwhile, Otjozondjupa Boxing Chairperson, Onesmus Kalipi said the event was a success when looking at the number of people who attended.
Kalipi said the purpose of the bonanza was to promote boxing and entice young boxers to take the sport seriously.
He called on businesspeople in the region to support boxing and other sports codes.
Local boxing supporter, Maria Gaweses said boxing referees and coaches need to improve on the next tournament, with a plan to attract sponsors.
Boxing fan, Simson Shilongo, said there is need to promote boxing at each town and allow these boxers to compete against each other to improve on their fitness.
“These young upcoming boxers have fighting skills but lack stamina to throw strong punches,” said Shilongo.