Mastering speed and footwork

Paulus ‘John John’ Njolonimus has been hard at work trying to master different techniques to help him cope with trickier opponents.
Herma Prinsloo
JESSE JACKSON KAURAISA

WINDHOEK

It has been two months since John John Njolonimus almost lost the biggest fight of his career to date and the boxer still is working hard to avoid a repeat of what almost went wrong on the night.

Tipped as one of the MTC Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy’s potential superstars, John John nearly suffered a heart-breaking defeat at the hands of veteran Anthony Jarmann.

Outsmarted, outrun and beaten in most of the rounds, it took a last-minute knockout for him to claim a precious victory over his fellow countryman.

Now a World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa Super Middleweight champion, the journey for Njolonimus has just begun as he is set to face trickier and faster opponents than Jarmann.

“It has been two months and yes I heard the fans cry and I’ve been determined to get better for my future fights.

“The most important thing I have been working on now is my footwork, which nearly cost me an important victory on 10 September.

“The other thing I am working on is my speed because I felt I did not do enough in that fight to keep up the speed with Jarmann,” Njolonimus said.

He is a better fighter

His promoter and trainer, Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias, believes that he is better than what he was two months ago.

Tobias admitted that Jarmann made it difficult for his boxer but is confident that will not be repeated again.

“Yes, it has been two months now and we still remember that fight, but as I said in the past these boxers are talented and will just continue improving.

“We have been working hard on him and I know that he will keep improving as a boxer.

“Jarmann was very elusive on that night and it made it very difficult for him but that is in the past now,” Tobias said.

The promoter did not indicate when the boxer will return to the ring.

Njolonimus remains eager to prove a point about his potential and skill as a boxer.

“Well, I am not in a hurry for a fight and I trust that my promoter will secure me another big one.

“I am however eager to get back in that ring and show the world what I am really made of,” Njolonimus said.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-08

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