Three Bantamweight World Champions, Ryan Burnett (WBA), Manny Rodriguez (IBF) and Zolani Tete (WBO), are the first confirmed fighters for the second season of the World Boxing Super Series.

“After a fantastic first season with Super Middleweight and Cruiserweight, we have decided that bigger is better. So we are going out with three divisions in our second season,” said Comosa’s Chief Boxing Officer, Kalle Sauerland.

“We are delighted to have three champions agreed to go into the Bantamweight tournament.”

“Burnett, Rodriguez and Tete represent three continents, they represent what the World Boxing Super Series is all about and we cannot wait to see these amazing athletes compete for the Muhammad Ali Trophy.“

A sensational line-up is in the making for Season 2 of the World Boxing Super Series with three world champions entering the Bantamweight edition of the quest for the Muhammad Ali Trophy, The Greatest Prize in Boxing.

The ingredients for epic battles are in the mix: ’O’s will go, titles will be unified and titles lost as Ryan Burnett, Emmanuel Rodriguez and Zolani Tete join the revolutionary bracket-style elimination tournament.

Said 30-year-old WBO World Bantamweight Champion Zolani Tete (27-3, 21 KOs) from Eastern Cape, South Africa:

“I would like to thank the World Boxing Super Series for the opportunity, I am very humbled and honoured to enter the tournament. This is the opportunity I have been looking for; to show that I am the best in my division.”

Five fighters remain to be revealed to complete the Bantamweight cast. Further details on Season 2, featuring three weight classes, and the finals of Season 1, will be announced over the next weeks.

WINDHOEK – The sky seems to be the limit for Namibia’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) Interim Bantamweight champion, Immanuel “Prince” Naidjala.

Naidjala confirmed this when he marked another milestone in the tough and demanding world of professional boxing with a gallant victory over Kenyan opponent, Emilio Norfat.

The Prince successfully retained his WBO belt with a unanimous points decision over 12 rounds of heated action at the Windhoek Country Club Resort & Casino on Friday.

After a well-balanced first round, it became a dog-eat-dog affair with both boxers showing no sign of retreat by keeping each other engaged with some great combinations of punches.

In the 5th and 6th rounds, Naidjala upped his tempo and started unleashing some impressive blows that kept the skilful Norfat running for safety for the better part of those rounds.

In the final rounds, Naidjala started taking the fight to the Kenyan, hitting his opponent with some well-measured heavy body blows and a combination of quick upper-cuts and jabs that kept Norfat at bay until the final seconds of the fight.

Naidjala now boasts a remarkable record of 14 wins from 14 bouts in the paid ranks.

In other action, the going got too tough for Sacky “Izinyoka” Shikukutu after the somewhat rusty pugilist fell prey to the merciless punches of Tommy Hango.

Hango, who was in no mood to compromise right from the outset, displayed some fine points in the trading of leather with an avalanche of impressive blows, which Shikukutu failed to reply to.

Hango kept up the momentum and emerged victorious with a unanimous points decision to clinch the National Welterweight title.

In the under-card fights, Manfred Haimbanga defeated Peter Philipus with a 4th-round knockout in the Junior Lightweight division, while Mukwendje Toivo trounced Dawid Egumbo in the Featherweight division.

Sakaria Lukas defeated compatriot Mathius Johannes in the Featherweight division over four rounds, while Anthony Jaarman lost to Lucas Ndafoluma in the Welterweight division over four rounds.

Peter Malakia defeated Zimbabwean Ndumiso Tshabangu in the Lightweight division over six rounds and Steven Shimbonde beat Jason Mashala in a Catch-weight bout.

 

Story by Otniel Hembapu

http://www.newera.com.na/articles/45627/Prince-Naidjala-reigns-supreme

Carlos is originally from Cameroon in West Africa – and now fights out of Noisy-le-Grand, Paris – France, where he is managed and promoted by Joseph Germain. He began his professional career in 2005. In his pro debut, Carlos defeated Zinedine Benmakhouf by points. In June 27, 2009, after winning his first 18 pro fights, Takam suffered his only defeat against Gregory Tony by unanimous decision. After four more fights, Carlos won the vacant WBO Africa Heavyweight title from Gbenga Oloukun of Nigeria on  April 29, 2011. After numerous disappointments in trying to find a suitable opponent from Africa, he took on Francois Botha  of South Africa (48-6-3), who put up a stern challenge for the title on March 31st, 2012, before losing by way of a 11th Round stoppage. Carlos Takam finds himself rated at Nr.6 in the Heavyweight division…

WINDHOEK – Namibia’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) Africa Super Middleweight champion and world champion prospect, Wilbeforce Shihepo, made short work of his bout against Janos Olah, at the Baden Arena, Offenburg, Germany on Saturday evening.

The “Black Mamba”, as the hard-punching Shihepo is affectionately known among his followers in Namibia, enjoyed one of his easiest paydays. He twice floored his Hungarian opponent with a vicious right within the opening two minutes of the first round of their non-title bout.

The Namibian was in mean mood and signalled his intentions very early in the opening round as he pounded the Hungarian with a combination of punches that left his opponent in serious pain, but the referee had seen enough.

He came to the Hungarian’s rescue by stopping the contest as Olah could no longer sustain the vicious onslaught from the giant Namibian and rightfully abbreviated the bout by declaring a technical knock-out (TKO) in favour of Shihepo.

The victory extended Shihepo’s (28) record in the paid ranks to 18 wins from 26 bouts, with a remarkable 15 stoppages. His handler Nestor “Sunshine” Tobias could not heap enough praise on the flamboyant boxer and told New Era Sports that he is currently locked in advanced negotiations to line up a title fight for the highly rated Shihepo.

“He’s in good shape and is ready to take on the best on offer in the world. Force is doubtlessly one of the best punchers in world boxing in his weight category and very few boxers would go the distance with him when he is on fire,” boasted Tobias.

Shihepo is currently ranked at No. 11 in world rankings and has a very good chance of staking a claim for a world title, since all boxers ranked in the top 15 are eligible to fight for a world title.

 

by Carlos Kambaekwa

http://www.newera.com.na/article.php?articleid=42329&title=%E2%80%98Black%20Mamba%E2%80%99%20demolishes%20Hungarian

World Boxing Organization (WBO) African boxer of the year Braimah Kamoko AKA Bukom Banku makes a return to the ring on February 25 when he makes a defence of his WBO Africa Light heavyweight belt against Kenyan Hamza Wandera in Accra.

Victory for the unbeaten Kamoko, 22-0, 16 KOs will move him closer to a fight against world champion Nathan Cleverly later in the year. Banku’s fight is the headliner of the first promotion of the year in Ghana put up by Golden Mike Boxing Promotions led by CEO Mike Tetteh slated for the plush Accra International Conference Centre.

 

By Prince Dornu-Leiku

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=30337&more=1

WBO African boxer of the year Braimah Kamoko AKA Bukom Banku makes a return to the ring on February 25 when he makes a defence of his WBO Africa Light heavyweight belt against Kenyan Hamza Wandera in Accra.
Victory for the unbeaten Kamoko, 22-0, 16 KOs will move closer to a fight against world champion Nathan Cleverly later in the year. Banku’s fight is the headliner of the first promotion of the year in Ghana put up by Golden Mike Boxing Promotions led by CEO Mike Tetteh slated for the plush Accra International Conference Centre.
Also defending their titles on the same bill are hot prospects Joshua Okine and Emmanuel Tagoe AKA Game Boy. Okine takes on Bethuel Ushoona of Namibia for his IBF Intercontinental Welterweight belt whereas Game Boy defends his IBF Intercontinental Super Featherweight title against Santos Benavides of Nicaragua.
Also featuring on January 20 at the Accra International Conference Centre are Samuel Amoako versus Martin Haikali of Namibia for WBO Africa Lightweight belt, Ebenezer Lamptey against Ecuadorian Aduardo Flores for WBO Africa Super Lightweight title with the night completed by the national Featherweight championship between Ishmael Aryeetey and Samuel Adotei.

 
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=227540

Ghana’s Light Heavyweight boxer, Braimah Kamoko has been adjudged the African Boxer of the Year by the World Boxing Organisation (WBO) for the year 2011.

Kamoko nicknamed “Bukom Banku”, was named the finest African boxer by the global boxing body at its annual convention held from 24-29 October in Puerto Rico. Information gathered by GNA Sports indicates that 31-year old Kamoko, holder of the WBO Africa Light Heavyweight title stood out amongst his competitors for the honour awarded to the most distinguished boxer during the year under review.

Famed for his antics in and outside the ring, Kamoko won his two fights during the year; managing a unanimous decision over Namibian Vikapita Merero in June and a fourth round knockout of Uruguayan Jorge Rodriguez Oliviera earlier in January. It is the most recognised individual honour for the enterprising boxer since joining the professional ranks in 2000.

With a record of 22-0-0, the Bukom-based boxer has risen to number two on the WBO latest ratings as far as the Light Heavyweight division is concerned. The number one contender is Russian Dmitry Sukhotsky, the Inter-continental champion with British Nathan Cleverly as the Champion.

The latest rankings takes Kamoko closest to realising his long-cherished dream of a world title within the shortest possible time as he is the only African in the top five bracket.

WBO Convention News

I have just returned from the WBO Annual Convention in Puerto Rico – held in beautiful San Juan (24th-29th October)…In between taking care of business – it was good meeting with old friends and making new acquaintances.  The Convention was dedicated to founding President – Dr Luis Batista Salas who together with other flag bearers over the years – including current president Francisco Valcarcel – have established an organization which lives by its principles of dignity, honesty and democracy…

During the Convention, tribute was also paid to all the great Puerto Rican champions over the years…In attendance – were the current crop of champions – as well as champions of old.  The most colourful being Hector ‘Macho Man’ Camacho…

All the reports submitted during the Convention, points to an organization with solid leadership, that is financially sound, that is growing in stature and that is entrenching itself as one of the foremost sanctioning bodies in the world.

 

WBO AFRICA…

Sadly not all African delegates who expressed an interest to attend – were able to attend. Deon Dwarte (South African boxing referee and judge) – was the only other South African in attendance.  Other notable Africans in attendance was big Ola Afolabi – the Nigerian Cruiserweight – who is currently Nr.1 in the Junior Heavyweight division…

There is no doubt that the WBO Africa title is the most contested on the continent in comparison with other African continental belts on the continent.  The WBO Africa title has been contested 22 times this year alone in Namibia, Ghana and France…All the other organizations together – could only muster 7 in total…Enough said!!

History was also made earlier this year – when Carlos Takam of Cameroon (23-1-0) fought Gbenga Oloukun of Nigeria (19-6-0) for the WBO Africa Heavyweight title in Paris, France…

Currently there are 14 WBO Africa champions:

Division Name Fight Record Country World Ranking
Heavy Carlos Takam

23-1-0

Cameroon

5

Light Heavy Braimah Kamoko

22-0-0

Ghana

2

Super Middle Wilberforce Shihepo

16-6-0

Namibia

11

Middle Kojo Issah

13-1-1

Ghana

Not ranked

Middle – Interim Laatekwei Hammond

18-5-0

Ghana

15

Welter Samuel Colomban

20-3-0

Cameroon

3

Welter – Interim Bethuel Uushona

26-1-0

Namibia

10

Light Martin Haikali

10-4-0

Namibia

Not ranked

Light – Interim Sarfo Tyson

13-1-0

Ghana

13

Junior Light Maxwell Awuku

24-2-1

Ghana

10

Jnr Light – Interim Osumana Akaba

27-5-1

Ghana

Not ranked

Junior Feather Alfred Tetteh

18-3-1

Ghana

13

Bantam Paulus Ambunda

17-0-0

Namibia

3

Bantam – Interim Immanuel Naindjala

11-0-0

Namibia

15

 

 

WBO ARICA AWARDS @ The convention

WBO Africa Promoter of the Year – was awarded to Nestor Tobias of Namibia for the 2nd year in succession. Nestor has staged 4 shows this year alone involving 8 WBO Africa title fights…4 of the champions in his stable enjoy favourable world rankings and his loyalty to the WBO has not gone unnoticed…

WBO Africa Boxer of the Year – was awarded to Braimah Kamoko of Ghana (22-0-0)…the strong and talented Lightheavyweight who is currently ranked Nr.2 in the latest world rankings…

 

WBO AFRICA 2012…

Get ready – we are in for a bumper year in 2012.  More promoters from other parts of Africa are coming on board. Some of our current WBO Africa champions stand at the threshold of world title fights…so watch this space

My Pledge as Vice President for Africa for 2012:

  • Lead the Organization by upholding the values of Dignity, Democracy and Honesty
  • To raise the bar

In saying so – expect a few changes which will be communicated to you in due course!

 

WBO AFRICA FIGHT RESULTS.

  • Paulus Ambunda (17-0-0)       W12    Bongani Mahlangu (12-3-0)    Windhoek, Namibia (5th November 2011)

 

Also check out our brand new WBO website – launched at the WBO Convention in Puerto Rico (www.wboboxing.com).  Happy Reading!!

 

 

Until next time – KEEP PUNCHING

 

World title hopeful Braimah Kamoko may finally be getting the recognition for a crack at the WBO Light heavyweight belt when he receives the WBO’s African boxer of the year award later this month.

Kamoko, famously called Bukom Banku has been nominated for the top award which will be given out at the WBO Congress slated for Puerto Rico October 24 to 29, ALL SPORTS can exclusively reveal.

It is an opportunity Banku relishes to state his case for a fight against incumbent world titlist Nathan Cleverly of Ireland who only last Saturday successfully defended the title against Briton George Bellew in what should have been a fight with the Ghanaian hot prospect.

“I say I’m ready to be the world champion and not even Nathan Cleverly can stand in my way. You know he is running away from me but I don’t think he can continue to hide,” a frustrated Bukom Banku says.

Bukom Banku who fights under promotional outfit Golden Concepts will be travelling for the WBO Congress with the GoldenMike Boxing Promotions team which will be led by Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA) Board Member Henry Manly-Spain and includes CEO Michael Tetteh, Benjamin Okai and Emmanuel Commey.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/SportsArchive/artikel.php?ID=221873

Paulus Ambunda will defend his WBO African bantamweight title in a boxing bonanza at the Windhoek Country Club on November 5.

Namibian boxing promoter Nestor Tobias said this on Wednesday at a press conference at the Namibia Sport Commission, where he also donated boxing equipment to the Namibia Sport Commission.

Tobias donated 100 punch bags to the NSC which will be distributed throughout Namibia’s 13 regions to help develop boxing at grassroots level.

“We must still finalise Ambunda’s opponent but it will be done later this week. He needs to defend his title within 120 days because his previous fight was not a title defence,” Tobias said.

Ambunda’s last fight was on September 24 when he easily beat Twalib Mubira of Kenya on a third round technical knockout.

It was Ambunda’s 17th straight victory as a professional and took his WBO international ranking up to fourth in the world.

Several other fighters will also feature on the undercard, according to Tobias. They include Tyson Uushona, who holds the WBO African Interim Welterweight title, Wilbeforce Shihepo, who holds the WBO African Super Middleweight title, Julius Indongo, Abmerk Shidjuu and Samuel Kaapapu. Uushona and Shihepo will however not be defending their titles.

Tobias also announced that he was busy negotiating to stage a fight in Namibia for Paulus Moses for the WBA Interim Lightweight title.

Moses was offered an opportunity to fight Richard Abril of Cuba for the WBA Interim Lightweight title in Panama on October 22, but Tobias turned down the chance because it came too soon after Moses’ last fight against Sidney Siqueira of Brazil on September 24. Abril is now expected to fight the former WBA lightweight champion Miguel Acosta for the WBA Interim Lightweight title on October 22.

Tobias said he was now negotiating with Don King to set up a fight for Moses against the winner of the Abril-Acosta fight.

“We asked the WBA for another chance to fight the winner of the Panama fight. So they said yes, we can do that, on condition that we host the fight and fund it. We are busy negotiating with Don King about it,” he said.

Tobias, meanwhile, was once again honoured for his sterling work in promoting boxing when he was recently nominated by the World Boxing Organisation for the Best African Promoter/Manager award. This is the second year in a row that Tobias has been nominated for the award, after he won the award for the foirst time last year.

“It just goes to show that people are looking at what we are doing here in Namibia. Namibia has become a big country with regards to boxing and this recognition will just motivate my boxers and I to achieve greater heights,” he said.