Special One calls out Energy again

Twenty-year-old boxing prospect Flame Nangolo repeated his challenge to his fellow unbeaten countryman Philippus (Energy) Nghitumbwa as his preferred next opponent.

Nangolo held on to his national junior lightweight belt with a split decision win against unheralded David Shinuna at the Nampower Convention Centre on Saturday.

Nangolo, known as The Special One, kept his unbeaten record intact after nine fights, although he did not have it all his own way.

Although heavily favoured, the fight went the full distance of ten rounds and Nangolo looked visibly surprised at the announcement of the split decision result – with one judge giving the fight to The Opuwo Flash by 96-94, while two judges ruled in Nangolo’s favour by a wide margin (99-91 and 98-92).

Shinuna, entering the ring with blonde dyed hair and a record of five wins, seven losses and two draws, is an experienced campaigner who since his professional debut in 2013 has fought the likes of Jeremiah Nakathila, Natty Kakololo, Sebastian Natanael, Abraham Ndaendapo and most recently, Lazarus Shaningwa in a fourth-round TKO loss in December last year.

Neither boxer clearly dominated and neither scored a knockdown during the ten rounds, while the left-handed Nangolo was handed a warning during round 4 for a punch to the back of Shinuna’s head.

The latter showed little regard for Nangolo’s punching power and often walked straight through his punches with his hands held low, especially during the later rounds, while The Special One remained focused on using his feints, footwork and sidestepping to stay out of trouble and scoring points from the outside.

“The kid played it smart by running, because he knew I was stronger than him. I’m still young at 30 years old – I intend getting a new trainer and I believe I still five to six years to go,” Shinuna said post-fight.

Nangolo said: “I knew I just had to get the W. He was a good guy and ready to fight. He was taking shots and still ready to go. So I knew I had to be there also and give my best. So that’s what I did, and that’s why I’m still the champion, baby!

“We are moving on to bigger things now. Everybody knows, my skill level is better than anybody. Nobody can compare to me."

In the main curtain-raiser, a welterweight national title eliminator, Alfeus (Mosquito) Shaanika scored a second-round TKO against Hedison Hipondokwa. Shaanika moved on to 5-0, with three knockouts.

Among the guests were former world champions Paulus (Hitman) Moses and Julius Indongo, as well as deputy minister of sports Emma Kantema-Gaomas.

Other results from the night:

Lightweight: Hafeni Ngesheya beat Shanyangange Shanyangange by TKO.

Lightweight: Shikukutu Jona beat Robert Ndalelwa by TKO.

Lightweight: Usko Rehabeam beat Dominikus Weuyulu on points.

Featherweight: Johnny Herman beat Jacob Jacob on points.

Featherweight: Alweendo Nicanor beat Petrus Salomon on points.

Lightweight: Ruan Rispel beat Johannes David on points.

Welterweight: Petrus Mathew beat Fillipus Amaamwa on points.