DISCIPLINE, patience and hard work have earned Ebenestus ‘Mendu’ Kaangundue a national welterweight title shot against Emmanuel Mungandjela on 21 October.
The 28-year-old Okakarara-born fighter was on Wednesday announced as Steven Shimbonde’s replacement for the vacant title.
Shimbonde ‘picked up an injury and will therefore no longer be able to fight’, paving the way for Mendu to realise “the beginning” of a lifelong ambition to get among the elite in the sport.
“This is a big chance for me. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to since I began boxing. For me, it’s like I’m fighting for an African title,” an upbeat Kaangundue told The Namibian Sport.
Despite the short notice, he is ready for the challenge.
“As an athlete, especially a boxer, you have to always be ready. At the moment, I’m 70 per cent ready. The 30 per cent will come in the ring,” said Kaangundue, who is not under-estimating his opponent.
Mungandjela has 13 fights with three defeats, against Kaangundue’s seven wins from eight contests.
“He’s a good fighter. Maybe he’s not very skilful, but he’s always coming forward, and is determined. I have a plan for him. I can guarantee you that I will be the winner of that fight,” Kaangundue said.
The ten-round welterweight contest is one of nine undercards on Walter ‘The Executioner’ Kautondokwa’s WBO Africa middleweight title defence bill against Meshack Mankemwa of Tanzania.
In the MTC Sunshine Productions’ ‘Champions in Action’ main undercard bout, Namibia’s welterweight prospect Mikka Shonena vies for the vacant WBO Africa welterweight title against Juma Waiswa from Uganda.
Also involved in a national title fight is holder Onesmus Nekundi up against challenger Kenedy Imalwa for the Namibian flyweight strap.
The ambitious Mendu’s primary ambition is to graduate from support cast to international main event, like many of his compatriots.
“This is the beginning of my journey. From here, we have to move on to bigger things. I got this chance because someone saw my hard work, and also because I try to be patient and disciplined at all times,” Kaangundue said.
“When people see me in the street, they think I’m just some cool guy because I do not look like a boxer. But when I’m in the ring, I’m very different. Come see for yourself.”
Tickets are available through Computicket, Antonio’s Shop in Post Street Mall and at the Windhoek Country Club reception.
General tickets fetch N$200 while a VIP table seating 10 persons goes for N$10 000.
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