'Low-Key' ready to bash Malawian

Jeremiah 'Low-Key' Nakathila from the MTC Nestor 'Sunshine' Boxing and Fitness Academy will defend his WBO Africa super featherweight title during the Desert Rumble tourney against Crispin Moliati from Malawi over 12 rounds at The Dome in Swakopmund.

Nakathila boasts a record of 15 fights, with 11 knockouts and one loss.

His previous fight was against Ghana's Patrick Okine in March, who he dispatched via a knockout, while instilling fear among the other boxers in his weight class.

His 3 August opponent, Moliati, has a record of 22 fights, with 10 knockouts, eight losses and four draws.

“I'm ready to fight any opponent from any corner of the world. I can compete at any level. If I get an opportunity to even fight a European I will do so.

“But as for, Moliati I'm waiting for him so that we pass the weigh-in and step in the ring,” Nakathila said.

He said the fight will be broadcast live on the Kwesé Sports channel, which is a great motivation for him to do well.

“This is a big channel, which people view all over the world, so I have to make sure that I do well,” Nakathila said.

The Desert Rumble tournament will also feature two other title fights.

The main supporting fight will see Swakopmund's very own Abraham 'Energy' Ndeandapo go toe-to-toe with Bilindo Eseko from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the WBO African super featherweight belt.

Ndeandapo has been keeping active since joining the Kalakoda Promotions stable and the upcoming fight in front of his home crowd represents a critical point in his career. A big win is needed for him to push on to the next level and compete with the elite lightweights, in one of the most competitive divisions globally.

“I perform best when I fight at home. I'm motivated and ready, as this is my time,” the boxer said.

The third title bout of the night will be contested by Lukas Ndafoluma from Namibia and DRC's Jimmy Mabundji, for the IWBF Africa middleweight title.

The fight is scheduled for 10 rounds.

Ndafoluma has been successful in 12 of his 13 bouts in paid ranks so far and is looking to improve this record on the night. The local boxer is cautious not to underestimate his opponent, who comes into the fight with nine wins out of 12 professional fights.

For the first time, Desert Rumble fans will also witness a battle between two boxers, as Namibian pugilist Martina Tjauha makes her debut against Revai Madondo from Zimbabwe over six rounds.

The event is made possible by The Dome's longstanding relationship with South African promoters, Kalakoda Promotions, and Africa's television giant Kwesé Sports.

“It is both a privilege and an honour to collaborate with The Dome Swakopmund again and this time for an even bigger event. We have built a strong partnership with them, staging two events at this world-class facility last year. This has laid the foundation to position Swakopmund and The Dome as the new centre of boxing for Namibia, and indeed the continent,” said Jeremy Bean, marketing manager of Kalakoda Promotions.

Tickets are available at The Dome box office, as well as online at www.swakopindoorsport.com.

LIMBA MUPETAMI