Crashing Mukungu left hand ends Flame’s reign

Flame Nangolo conceded his unbeaten record and lost his WBO Africa super featherweight title when he was viciously knocked out by his countryman Martin Mukungu at the Roman Catholic hall in Windhoek on Saturday night.

The official end came after just one minute 35 seconds of the first round. A power punch from the left-handed Mukungu caught Nangolo flush on the jaw, sending him crashing to the canvas, and he was unable to beat the count by referee Laizy Nainda.

After the opening minute’s exchanges, Nangolo had grabbed his opponent with both arms around his waist until being separated by the referee. Nangolo got a talking-to from Nainda and before the action resumed, the young fighter showed signs of vision trouble, as he was closing first the one eye and then the other – with the knockout punch landed almost immediately afterwards.

As Mukungu started celebrations and reacting to the crowd, the referee called off the fight and accompanied Nangolo to his corner helpers and the fight’s appointed medical supervisors.

Mukungu – now with a pro record of 14 wins and two losses, proudly representing Rundu and known as “The Alligator” – said afterwards he knew he would win at the same moment as the fight was confirmed.

“I’ve been telling you guys I’m the Alligator. I’m very proud to be here; I’ve pushed long. The championship belt is going back to Rundu with me, just like I had told you.

“I can’t say what will be next for me; I will leave that question to my promoter (Nestor Tobias of MTC Sunshine Promotions).”

Mukungu spontaneously said he expects Nangolo’s career to recover strongly, since he respects him as a good boxer.

“He is down, but he is young. I came back also and here I am as a champion. I respect Flame and AC Boxing Promotions and I know he can do the same; they should not lose hope.

“Tonight was just not his night. The Alligator is here; he came to hunt and now I’m satisfied.”

Discipline rewarded

The promoter Tobias said the approach is to take matters one fight at a time. He expressed thanks to AC Promotions for showing confidence in their boxer. “For Flame, this was just a learning lesson, but he is still a good boxer with good skills.

”Martin is a disciplined kid. I locked him up in camp for two months; he saw no-one and it was just eat, sleep, train and repeat.

“When you win a regional title like this, every boxer want to fight for a world title. The regional title brings you in contention, but every boxer must continue working hard. Mukungu has progressed through the learning ranks and is now ready to enter the job market, looking to put Namibia on the map and contest for a world title.

The 28-year-old Mukungu turned professional in 2019. He lost the following year in a 3rd-round knockout to the upcoming Fillipus “Energy” Nghitumbwa (then 6-1) who later rose to become the reigning WBO Global super bantamweight title holder.

However, Mukungu again lost in April 2023 – by TKO in the fourth round to little-known Lineekela Nghifindaka – and none of his previous wins came against notable opposition, until his determination overwhelmed Nangolo on Saturday night.

Looking to rebuild

Mukungu weighed in at 58.75 kg, while “The Special One” Nangolo tipped the scales at 58.95 kg.

The 25-year-old Nangolo won the vacant WBO Africa crown with a 4th-round knockout of an overweight Felix Ajom of Ghana in March 2025, and made one successful defence against Steven Bagwasi of Botswana with a unanimous points win last September.

Amid an initial flurry on different platforms of unflattering and downright insulting reaction from Namibian viewers of the fight broadcast, Nangolo’s promoter Imms Moses posted to social media yesterday: “Last night did not go the way we hoped, but that is boxing – a sport of courage, sacrifice, and warriors willing to test themselves at the highest level.

“We congratulate Martin Mukungu on his victory and commend him and his team for their performance inside the ring. Respect to MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy for a great fight and a professional display.

“To our champion Flame Nangolo – heads up, warrior. One defeat does not define your career, your heart, or everything you have achieved for Namibian boxing. Champions are not measured only by victories, but by how they rise after setbacks.

“You have carried the Namibian flag with pride, defended titles, inspired young fighters, and given the fans unforgettable moments. This is not the end of the journey — it is part of the story. We believe Special One will come back stronger, smarter, and more dangerous.

“Thank you to all the fans, sponsors, partners, and supporters who stood behind AC Promotions and this historic event. Boxing continues, and the comeback starts now.”

Undercard results

• Robert Ndalelwa and Abraham Petrus drew their junior welterweight fight over 6 rounds.

• Paulus Amavila beat Fillipus Amwaama on points over 4 rounds in a junior middleweight fight.

• Lightweight Elifas Shailemo beat Emmanuel Jason on points.

• At lightweight, Ruan Rispel (now 9-0, one draw, 2 KOs) overwhelmed Reinholdt Matheus in a first-round technical knockout.