AC Boxing goes global with pay-per-view debut

For the first time, a Namibian boxing event will be streamed live through pay-per-view on 29 March for the world to experience the country’s vibrant boxing culture. 

The development, aimed at enhancing Namibia boxing prospects globally, is made possible through a partnership between African Connection (AC) Boxing Promotions and international streaming platform iME. 

The World Boxing Organisation Africa super bantamweight clash between undefeated Namibian rising star Flame ‘Special One’ Nangolo and Felix Ajoma from Ghana at the Roman Catholic Hall in Windhoek will offer the global audience a first glimpse into Namibia’s boxing profile. 

The bill will feature fearsome Walter ‘The Executioner’ Kautondokwa’s return to the ring after a five-year sabbatical, with Harry Simon Jr and Charles Shinima as other notable attractions. 

“Our fighters are watched on TV here locally, but the world doesn’t know our fighters. Now, with this platform, we’re here to make sure these guys that you see here, the world will be able to watch them fight,” says AC Boxing Promotions founder Immanuel Moses. 

“This is going to be the first pay-per-view fight where you purchase the fight to watch in the comfort of your home through your smart TV, smartphone or any other device.”

Moses says this “game-changing” move will make it easier for Namibian boxers to attract fights abroad and improve investment in the industry. 

“We’re trying to elevate and take the game to the next level. This collaboration aims to bring Namibian boxing to a global audience, showcasing the exceptional talent emerging from our country,” Moses explains.

“Fans around the world will have the unique opportunity to watch those fighters in action, experiencing the energy and the excitement of Namibian boxing like never before,” the trainer, matchmaker and promoter continues. 

“Namibian boxing has been struggling to get sponsors. Now we’re trying to make sure that people buy the content so that the fighters and the promoter are also able to generate funds to promote more events.”

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With the world watching, main attraction Nangolo and his supporting cast intend to be at their devastating best. 

Nangolo knows the possibility of making it big is on the line, an incentive he plans to grab with both hands. 

“I’ve been training very hard and I’m just ready to give the best of my ability. And you already know when I stand in the ring it’s a special treat to everybody,” Nangolo says. 

“To my opponent, I really don’t know what he’s going to bring but we have a plan. We are going to adapt to everything he brings the night of the fight. This is obviously the biggest fight of my career where I have to step up on the plate.”

Kautondokwa (18-2), a former middleweight world title contender, says he is aware that his fight against Liberty Muwani of Zimbabwe (12-8) will be all about dispelling doubts that the knock-out specialist still packs a punch. 

“I just want to give my fans what they always want and expect from me. I know it’s been a while, but we are ready,” Kautondokwa says. 

“I was supposed to be back last year, but things did not go according to the way we were planning. 

“It will be a good fight by the look of things. I’m fit physically and mentally. So, we’re just expecting fans to come in numbers and witness my comeback. I’m ready to deliver.”

Following his draw against compatriot Abed Shikongo (8-0-1) in a World Boxing Association Pan-Africa title scrap late last year, Simon Jr (23-22-1) says he decided to return to AC Boxing Promotions in the hopes of improving his craft and opportunities.

Simon Jr will battle Tranos Zihove (9-5) from Zimbabwe in the main supporting bout. 

“What happened against me and [Shikongo] in my last fight, I came up short and I walked away with a draw. And, I’m not happy with that. It’s one thing that led me to make a few changes in my career,” Simon Jr says. 

“There’s a better version and a best version of me coming out. And in this fight, I will show you a preview.”

Charles ‘Super Shine’ Shinima (20-2) is also looking to make positive headlines after claiming he was robbed when losing to Brandon Thysse (18-4-1) of South Africa in Johannesburg on points for the World Boxing Council silver welterweight strap a fortnight ago. 

“I know a loss is not something good in my career, but it didn’t affect me mentally and physically … The aim is still to reach the world championship. And the dream is still there and we are still chasing it,” says Shinima, who faces Dickson Saidi of Malawi. 

Shinima maintains that Thysse was the recipient of a hometown decision. 

“When we went to South Africa, we were ready to do what we had to do and we did it. Unfortunately, it’s not what the judges saw. So on my side, I feel like I won that fight. So it’s not going to affect me anyhow,” says Shinima.