Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Organisers of the boxing bonanza featuring veteran boxer Harry Simon and ex-convict Paulus “Ninja” Shimwefeleni say the event will go ahead, despite a warning from the Namibian Boxing Control Board (NBCB) over non-compliance with the Boxing Act.
On Wednesday, the NBCB issued a public notice cautioning against the planned event, which is being organised by Faith Foundation and Harry Simon Onkugo Promotions. The board said the event is not officially approved.
While Harry Simon Onkugo Promotions is a licensed promoter, the board said it has not received a formal application for the event.
It added that Faith Foundation is not a licensed entity under the Namibian Boxing and Wrestling Control Act (Act No. 11 of 1980). The board stated that all boxing-related events, including exhibitions and public sparring, must receive official approval.
“Unlicensed events may be shut down by police, and violators risk fines of up to N$1,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both,” the board said.
Faith Foundation founder Dennis Tobias confirmed the event is still planned to take place in Oshakati. He said preparations are underway, and the organisers have engaged the board.
“I just want to tell the public that the fight is still on; all the preparations are already underway. People want to see this event in the north. It is a one-of-a-kind event that will be happening in Oshakati,” Tobias said.
“We have engaged the board to adhere to the rules, and we are doing this under their guidance. So the fight is going to take place because people are waiting to see Ninja and Harry, Rumblem and Makondo, while Tate Buti is also going to perform.”
Tobias said Faith Foundation is a registered welfare organisation that is not operating for profit.
According to him, the foundation is promoting boxing events in Namibia in collaboration with Harry Simon Onkugo Promotions.
