‘The Beast’ prepares for US feast
Boxing
A local boy from Walvis Bay is poised for a historic appearance at the world's finest boxing stage.
Only a handful of African boxers have ever stepped into the ring under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden – even fewer have left victorious.
Namibian boxer Mateus ‘The Beast’ Heita is aiming to change that when he faces undefeated American Bruce Carrington in New York this Saturday.
The vacant interim World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title will be on the line in what is widely considered the biggest fight of Heita’s career.
At just 27, Heita has a professional record of 14 wins and no losses, including nine knockouts. His opponent, Carrington, is 28 years old and holds a 15-0 record, also with nine knockouts.
The American is currently the number one contender in the featherweight division according to both the WBC and World Boxing Organisation (WBO).
High stakes
Heita will not only be the first Namibian to fight at the iconic Madison Square Garden, but could also become the first to win a world title on American soil.
Others have tried. Julius ‘Blue Machine’ Indongo faced Terence Crawford in the United States (2017) but failed to claim the title. Jeremia Nakathila also had his shot but could not overcome Shakur Stevenson (2021).
Now, the spotlight falls on Heita to make history.
Most boxing pundits and bookmakers have tipped Carrington to win, citing the differences in resources and training conditions between the two camps.
Carrington trains with world-class equipment in the US, while Heita prepares from the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy in Katutura.
Ready
Despite the odds, Heita remains confident. Speaking from the United States, he said he is adjusting well to the time zone and weather and is ready to give it his all.
“I am carrying the whole nation on my shoulders because this fight is not just about me, but about the Land of the Brave and its people,” he said.
“I have put in extra work since my arrival because this fight means everything to me. There is nothing special about my opponent. I see him as just another obstacle standing between me and the title.”
Heita’s promoter and trainer, Nestor Tobias, also expressed optimism ahead of the bout.
“He is ready and looks like the beast I know, which gives me confidence. We know the odds are against us and we know what is at stake, but we came to the United States with only one thing on our minds – victory.
“It has taken a lot of preparation and investment to get here. Now is the time to prove ourselves,” Tobias said.
Namibian boxer Mateus ‘The Beast’ Heita is aiming to change that when he faces undefeated American Bruce Carrington in New York this Saturday.
The vacant interim World Boxing Council (WBC) featherweight title will be on the line in what is widely considered the biggest fight of Heita’s career.
At just 27, Heita has a professional record of 14 wins and no losses, including nine knockouts. His opponent, Carrington, is 28 years old and holds a 15-0 record, also with nine knockouts.
The American is currently the number one contender in the featherweight division according to both the WBC and World Boxing Organisation (WBO).
High stakes
Heita will not only be the first Namibian to fight at the iconic Madison Square Garden, but could also become the first to win a world title on American soil.
Others have tried. Julius ‘Blue Machine’ Indongo faced Terence Crawford in the United States (2017) but failed to claim the title. Jeremia Nakathila also had his shot but could not overcome Shakur Stevenson (2021).
Now, the spotlight falls on Heita to make history.
Most boxing pundits and bookmakers have tipped Carrington to win, citing the differences in resources and training conditions between the two camps.
Carrington trains with world-class equipment in the US, while Heita prepares from the MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing and Fitness Academy in Katutura.
Ready
Despite the odds, Heita remains confident. Speaking from the United States, he said he is adjusting well to the time zone and weather and is ready to give it his all.
“I am carrying the whole nation on my shoulders because this fight is not just about me, but about the Land of the Brave and its people,” he said.
“I have put in extra work since my arrival because this fight means everything to me. There is nothing special about my opponent. I see him as just another obstacle standing between me and the title.”
Heita’s promoter and trainer, Nestor Tobias, also expressed optimism ahead of the bout.
“He is ready and looks like the beast I know, which gives me confidence. We know the odds are against us and we know what is at stake, but we came to the United States with only one thing on our minds – victory.
“It has taken a lot of preparation and investment to get here. Now is the time to prove ourselves,” Tobias said.
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