Paulus “The Hitman” Moses proved that he is ready to challenge for the world title again when he knocked out Miguel Lombardo in the first round of their international lightweight fight at the Independence Day Boxing Bonanza on 19 March.
Moses put Lombardo down with a crunching left hook to the body and the Argentinian had no answer, as he sunk to his knees and was counted out after only 2:59.
With his stunning victory, new opportunities have opened up for Moses, who is now being groomed for another crack at the world title after he lost the WBA lightweight title in May last year.
Shortly after his victory, Moses was congratulated by his American promoter Don King, who said that another title fight was warranted, while his Namibian promoter and trainer Nestor Tobias said that his next fight will be held in the United States, where he will be involved in an elimination fight for the world title.
Moses is a class act and a true professional, who has worked hard for his success, and after his demolition job of Lombardo, there can be little doubt that he still has the skill, desire and determination to regain the world title.
The Independence Day Boxing Bonanza was once again a big success, with a packed crowd being entertained to some top class international boxing and the Namibian pugilists did not disappoint.
Wilbeforce Shihepo won the vacant WBO Interim Africa Super Middleweight title with a ninth round technical knockout over Donald Kampamba of Zambia, while several other Namibian boxers like Martin Haikali, Julius Indongo and Immanuel Naidjala enhanced their reputations and records with impressive victories.
On the local soccer scene, Black Africa maintained their title charge after beating Eleven Arrows and Civics during March, while most of their challengers dropped points. With five matches remaining, Black Africa were seven points clear at the top of the log and now seem virtually certain of winning the league title for the first time since 1999. But, as they say, ‘anything can happen in soccer,’ and there can still be a few twists and turns before the league champions are crowned at the end of May.
Second-placed Ramblers are still in with a chance, although they dropped vital points in a defeat to Blue Waters, while Orlando Pirates are also still in the running. Even defending champions African Stars haven’t given up hope yet of retaining the title, although with a deficit of nine points on Black Africa, this is highly unlikely.
Stars might have a better chance of retaining the Leo NFA Cup although they received a tough quarterfinal draw against Orlando Pirates. But if they beat their fierce rivals they will probably still have to meet another arch-rival, Black Africa, who were drawn against first division outfit Golden Bees, on the road to the final. Black Africa gave an impressive performance when they beat Ramblers 3-0 in the previous round and with the quality and depth at their disposal, they could emulate Stars by winning the double this year.
In the April issue we also report on the Welwitschias’ struggling campaign in the Vodacom Cup and bring you a profile on their inspirational captain PJ van Lill.
We report on the MTC Namibian PGA which came to an end in March after MTC’s sponsorship drew to a close, as well as the growth of beach volleyball in Namibia, and the successful hosting of the All Africa Games Zonal qualifiers in Swakopmund.
There is a lot more to read in the April issue as well as some great prizes to be won, so, till next time, enjoy the mag.
Helge Schutz
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