Namibia: Force’s Opponent Changed

Sheefeni Nikodemus

10 March 2011

Namibia’s super-middleweight boxer Wilberforce Shihepo will fight a new opponent during the Independence Boxing Bonanza, his promoter Nestor Tobias said yesterday.

Shihepo was initially billed to fight South African-based Ugandan David Kitookwe for the WBO Africa interim super-middleweight title, but Tobias said Kitookwe could not make the trip because his visa had expired. His place will now be filled by Zambian super-middleweight champion Donald ‘Hardman’ Kampamba.

“Force will still fight for the title,” Tobias said.

“I have already spoken to the WBO to get the fight sanctioned and they said they are ready to sanction the fight. They just have to officially confirm it.”

According to Tobias, the Zambian, who has a record of ten fights with eight wins and two losses, is no slouch and packs a powerful punch. Tobias said the fighter was recommended by his trainer and manager Anthony Muamba.

“It was not easy to find a replacement,” said Tobias. “This guy was supposed to have another fight but it did not work out so they accepted this fight.”

Tobias said Kampamba is an unknown quantity and Shihepo will have to adapt his game on the night.

“The problem now is that we don’t know this guy’s style. We have never seen him fight but we heard that he is tough. Once the fight starts, then we will adapt a strategy for him. ‘Force’ is a clever boxer so he will be able to handle him.”

AllAfrica – All the Time