Shikongo promises to put ‘small boy’ Simon Jr in his place

With the attention on ex-convicts Harry ‘The Terminator’ Simon Senior (Sr) and Paulus ‘Ninja’ Shimweetheleni on the MTC Salute Boxing Academy’s exhibition fight night bill, it is the main supporting that is making the headlines.

This is after WBA Pan Africa title holder Abed Shikongo declared that Harry Simon Junior (Jr) will feel pain and discomfort for the first time in his life tomorrow night, as the fighters exchanged stinging verbal jabs when they faced-off yesterday.

Simon Jr, the son of the legendary Simon Sr, promised to add Shikongo to his ‘list of palookas’ during their battle of the unbeaten for the belt at the Mercure Hotel in Windhoek.

The bruising Shikongo (10-0) vowed to knock out Simon Jr (22-0) whom he believes is out of his depth and is a product of cherry-picking inept opponents to make him more marketable.

Tomorrow’s bout is merely a stepping stone to bigger fights abroad, Shikongo said.

“Simon Jr, if you are not ready for this fight, I’m going to put you down. I’m not joking,” the champion said.

“I’m not focusing on Namibia or Africa, I’m targeting Europe,” Shikongo said of his ambition.

“Since he [Simon Jr] turned professional, he never feels pain. But on Friday, he’s going to feel pain in this fight.

“I’m going to punch him hard because I know he’s a skilful fighter.

“You are a small boy and used to fighting palookas. I’m not one of those weak boys on your record.”

Simon Jr, who sees tomorrow’s clash as career defining moment, says he is technically superior to the title holder and the fight will translate to his 23rd victory.

He believes Shikongo is an unworthy champion, which Simon Jr will prove.

“He’s the current champion and I think he’s rated number two in the nation currently,” Simon Jr said.

“I’m rated number one for a reason, even if he’s champion. So, expect the same ratings, same rankings after the fight. This title will get a new owner,” he said confidently.

“There’s a new lion in the field and I’m hungry. I’m hungry for your belt, my brother. So, I hope you are ready to defend it with all your heart because I’ve already put in all the work. I’ve been groomed since 2009 for this moment. People might say you are the more experienced fighter since you are older, but it’s the other way around,” Simon Jr declared.

MTC Salute Boxing’s representative Jason Naule, himself a former African champion, expects a clash for the ages.

The 20-fight showcase starts at 14h00.

“I think we all know how important is this event, since there’s two very good boxers that are going to put their records on the line,” Naule said.

“We have Harry Jr and Abed Shikongo. I think that is the most much-awaited fight of Friday night, besides the Harry Simon Sr and Ninja Shimweetheleni bout.”