New kid on the block, the Khorixas Boxing Academy (KBA), is ready to showcase its immense potential at the Future Champs competition on September 3 at Swakopmund.
Organised by the Namib Boxing Academy in collaboration with the Erongo Boxing Federation, the competition will feature amateur fighters from Arandis, Swakopmund, Walvis, Opuwo and Khorixas.
“We are ready. It’s a huge privilege that we were invited again to another tournament called Future Champs at Swakopmund,” says Claudius Matsuib, trainer and one of the founding members of Khorixas Boxing Academy.
“As the title of the event itself indicates, this is a very good chance for our young talent to expose themselves for their future.”
Established as recent as June, the KBA conducts training at the Khorixas Youth Hall, under auspices of the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service.
The boxing academy’s first notable outing was at the Kunene Governor’s Cup earlier this year, winning a silver medal for their effort.
“It was a very good image and success for the academy. It has gained us more members. We are looking forward by putting in our time and energy,” Matsuib says.
Managing the group’s expectations and pessimistic parents who see boxing as a “bad sport” has been challenging, he says, however, he believes the benefits of boxing are beneficial for the youth, who have little to no access to uplifting recreational activities at the town.
“Some parents see boxing as a bad sports that will damage their children’s brain. They forbid them, not giving them a place in the academy since most of them (boxers) are under their guidance. They have no choice but to stay away from the training sessions,” he says.
“Some are not gifted academically. This can be their future. If they take it seriously they can become champions, they will represent our town and inspire others to follow in their footsteps,” says Matsuib.
Another challenge is the lack of support from the community and local businesses, although kickboxing champion Delano Muller has come to the academy’s aid so far.
“The community does not stand up for us yet. Maybe they will if they see more success. The lack of support is very disappointing. I have knocked on various doors. No positive response,” he says.
Phillip Muller from Namib Boxing Academy feels strongly that “it is important to create opportunities for the youth to participate in, and for the fighters to get the necessary exposure”.
A boxing training refresher, official judging training and referee course will be staged on 2 September by tournament organisers. The public is encouraged to come in numbers to support the amateur competition.
–namibian.com.na
