One of Namibia’s most gifted fighters, Sakaria ‘Desert Storm’ Lukas, is intent on making his mark globally – especially after missing over two years on the sidelines due to a drawn-out contractual squabble.
The undefeated former multiple continental champion saw his big break curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic after his world-title eliminator in the USA was called off in March.
The intense boxer remains optimistic that the stars will align for him in the future.
Here are his career highlights:
Who was your sports hero as a child?
There are many good athletes, but none are my heroes, because I never want to be like anybody else.
Who has been your best teammate?
Julius Indongo during our amateur years.
Who has been the best rival you’ve faced?
Tirafalo Seoko (Botswana). We fought five times in the amateur ranks. This dude was always tough.
Who is the best coach you have fought under?
My nephew. I call him ‘Daddy Imms’ [Immanuel] Moses. He is very creative.
What was your most memorable competition?
Fighting Oscar Chauke [from South Africa for the World Boxing Organization Africa featherweight title] was a different experience. He used to come to Namibia and beat every Namibian they put in front of him. For me, it was different because I couldn’t join that list. I had to bring back the hopes of the nation. [Lukas won by a unanimous decision.]
What is the highlight of your career?
Nothing yet, because I haven’t realized my dream in boxing.
The lowest moment of your career?
I have many, like losing deals or losing a loved one. But I don’t look back; I keep my head high and move forward like a true champion.
What has been the most memorable performance by a Namibian athlete or team for you?
It was when Indongo knocked out [Russian Eduard] Troyanovsky in Moscow.
–namibian.com.na
