Namibia: Mwetupunga Defends Aussie Title

21 April 2011

AUSTRALIAN-BASED Namibian boxer Johannes ‘Tito’ Mwetupunga retained his Australian middleweight title when he defeated Omar Shaick by TKO last Friday.

The former amateur sensation, who is on a nine-fight winning streak, took the first step in what he claims is his breakout year. Mwetupunga won the fight with an eighth-round TKO to record his fourth successful title defence.

“It was a tough fight as he was southpaw,” Mwetupunga told The Namibian Sport from his Melbourne base.

“It is always hard fighting interstate from Victoria where I am currently living. I plan on defending it the title another couple of times.”

Mwetupunga said he was initially scheduled to fight on February 25 but that fight was called off four days before its scheduled date after his opponent pulled out.

“Apparently my opponent was complaining of an injury,” he said.

“However no doctor’s certificate to prove this was presented, so I can only assume he was scared of losing!”

According to Mwetupunga, details of a proposed Commonwealth title fight passed him by while he was on holiday in Namibia late last year.

“They sent a contract while I was at home in Namibia, however I was unaware until I came back to Australia,” Mwetupunga said.

“If I had known the fight on February 25 was going to be cancelled, I could have fought in England.

“My promoters are now talking about the IBF Pacific Title as well as WBO. It will be a big year for me!”

AllAfrica – All the Time