By: Hee-Dee Walenga
A week ago, Flame “Special One” Nangolo beat Steve Bagwasi from Botswana to successfully defend his WBO Africa Junior Lightweight title and remain undefeated (14-0).
Nangolo fought against Bagwasi at the Roman Catholic Hall in Windhoek as the main card of the AC Promotions boxing bonanza.
What turned out to be an electric evening that crowned one of Namibia’s most promising boxers, almost did not happen, according to founder of AC Promotions, Imms Moses. In an interview with Eagle FM, Moses stated that a week from when the fight was scheduled to happen, they did not have a main sponsor, despite months of trying.
“It was really tough. These championships cost a lot of money. You need a budget of about N$400,000,” Moses stated. Professor David Namwandi’s intervention via the David Namwandi Trust, however, made all the difference. Moses stated that it only took one sit down with the founder of IUM for him to be convinced to sponsor the fight.
“I don’t have words, I just want to thank Professor for helping us,” 24-year-old Flame stated.
Professor Namwandi pledged his continued support to the upcoming fighter. “We stand by you, now, tomorrow, and forever. The nation is very proud of you,” Professor Namwandi stated. Namwandi also emphasised that his support is on the condition that Nangolo remains disciplined and does not allow the success to keep him from being grounded.
The David Namwandi Trust has a long history of supporting Namibian athletes. Professor Namwandi noted how when Harry Simon had a fight in South Africa in the 90s, it was the David Namwandi Trust that paid for the transportation to and from South Africa. “We put our money where our mouth is,” Namwandi expressed.
The trust is a great example of what the private sector can do for Namibian sports. Spurred by the successful title defence, the “Special One” has aspirations of becoming world champion.
With the continued support of his trainer and promoter, Imms Moses, whom he has been with since the age of 8, and the likes of Professor David Namwandi, the sky is the limit.
