Pambeni readies for battle royale
PETER “THE SNIPER” PAMBENI relishes another continental title when he faces unbeaten Namibian opponent Flame Nangolo (11-0) over 10 rounds for the World Boxing Association super-featherweight title at the Roman Catholic Hall in Windhoek this evening.
The duel is the main drawcard of six others being promoted by Emmanuel Paulus of AC Promotions. Coming down from lightweight, Pambeni was yesterday given two hours to shed an excess 870g, which he managed to do to make the weight at the official weight in.
One of the few Zimbabweans to have walked out of the Namibian boxing den with a win, he goes into the fight eyeing a second African title after his unforgettable triumph over Albinius “Dannyboy” Felesianu in August 2019 when he was crowned the World Boxing Organisation lightweight champion for Africa.
A seasoned boxer reading from his 18 (KO6); L8; D3 record, the Zimbabwean orthodox has the stakes weighed highly in his favour though he should never underate Nangolo, who is yet to taste defeat in all his 11 professional outings.
Pambeni’s accompanying trainer, Thomas Kambuyi, told Zimpapers Sport after weigh in that they are in to win.
“Peter is quite aware of the stakes on his shoulders and that he has to redeem himself and, at the same time, fight for the nation. Though we are aware the pressure is a bit too much for him, especially given the reception he received on arrival, we have the advantage that he has been in the trenches for a while and knows how to manoeuvre. We are confident the WBA is heading to Epworth as we believe only the Almighty deserves the honour to be called ‘The Special One’, and not a being in flesh by the name of Nangolo.”
After the medicals, Pambeni was allegedly not served food until lunchtime and was booked at a place where there was no running water, while the ablution facilities were substandard
Despite that, Team Shumba, under which he now fights, said they remained focused, with director Wesley MacDade saying they are ready.
“Peter is in the right frame of mind. He has been performing well in training. We have invested in him and expect he will make us and the nation proud with an upset to be crowned the new WBA champion.”
On the flip side the Namibian, Nangolo, currently brags of two Zimbabwean casualties in Ndodana Ncube whom he beat by a unanimous decision in November 2022 and Jeremiah Mhere,who he accounted for by TKO in April this year. He also claimed yesterday he is on a roll, with his sight set on better boxing business.
“Ever since I started my boxing career, I have fought tough opponents, and Pambeni is no different.”
◆ Coverage of the WBA-Pan African super-featherweight title fight sponsored by Asuertech.