The Nestor “Sunshine” Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy is looking for funds to be able to host the International Boxing Bonanza at the Kuisebmund Hall in Walvis Bay on August 7.
On the night Martin Haikali will defend his WBO African lightweight title against Sydney Maluleka from South Africa.
The owner of the academy, Nestor Tobias appealed to local business people and the private sector to come on board and sponsor the event.
“Last time we hosted Paulus Ambunda’s title defence we did not have any sponsors for the event and I used my limited resources to make sure that it happened. As a result I created a huge hole in my pocket,” Tobias said.
“For this fight I approached the private sector and the business people to come on board,” he continued.
“People get excited when we have a champion and everyone wants to be associated with him, but they forget that we cannot make champions without money,” he added.
This will be Haikali’s second title defence since he won the title against compatriot Jatoorora Tjingaveta on 21 November last year. He retained his title in a rematch against Tjingavete in Windhoek on April 30.
His opponent, Maluleka last fought on March 29 when he defeated South African Grant Fourie on points in Kempton Park. He has won 10 of his 13 fights so far. Haikali on the other hand has won five out of nine fights.
“I am ready to defend my title, I don’t care about his experience. It is not the first time for me to fight against guys who are more experienced than me,” Haikali said.
On the same night Sacky “Izinyoka” Shikukutu will face Silas Mandeya from Zimbabwe in a junior welterweight fight. Mandeya has a record of 14 wins in 16 fights according to the fight schedule provided by the Nestor “Sunshine” Tobias Academy.
Shikukutu’s last fight was against Bhekimpilo Mlilo of Zimbabwe on 20 March, which he won on points. He has won 13 of his 14 fights having lost to Norman Tshisikhawe of South Africa at Walvis Bay in a first round technical knockout on 31 October last year.
“I have been out for a while with a shoulder injury, but I am ready for the fight and I’m calling all the Izinyoka supporters to come and witness the fight,” Shikukutu said.
Shikukutu dislocated his shoulder during the fight against Mlilo but managed to finish and win the fight.
“He is definitely ready, after that defeat in Walvis Bay. After he dislocated his shoulder he still came back and won the fight. He is a great kid who works hard,” his trainer Tobias said.
In a junior lightweight fight on the same night Abraham Ndeandapo will face Richard Muriri from Zimbabwe. Muriri has three wins to his name after seven fights. Ndeandapo on the other hand has won six of his nine fights thus far.
Abmerk Shidjuu will fight Anyway Katundu from Zimbabwe and Gotlieb Ndokosho will face Tawanda Chigwida who is also from Zimbabwe.
Julius Indongo will come up against Zimbabwean Lawrence Moyo in a lightweight match up over four rounds.
In another lightweight encounter, Joseph Katenda will face-off with Samuel Kapapu and Anthony Jarman will fight Elia Shifuka in a four round welterweight match up. Sam Kambonde will also fight against Erkki Kalenga.