Joseph 'Smokey' Hilongwa will make his long-awaited return to the boxing ring when he takes on Sibusiso Twani of South Africa for the WBF International Super Flyweight title on Friday night.
Hilongwa is still unbeaten as a pro fighter with a record of 11 wins from 11 fights and one no contest, but he has not fought since July 2011.
At a press conference in Windhoek yesterday, he said he was in good shape and ready for the fight.
"Many people thought that I am done with boxing since I became a promoter, but that's not true. I just wanted to give an opportunity to other boxers who have been suffering like me," he said.
"Everything is in place and now I can continue with my career. I am 100 percent fit physically and mentally and I hope the Namibian fans will come in big numbers to support me, I promise that I will give them a good show."
His 25-year-old opponent Twani, who has a record of six wins, two defeats and one draw, said he was ready for the fight.
"I have been training for this fight for more than a year. I was supposed to fight for the South African title last year but it didn't happen and then I got this opportunity to fight for the WBF International title. This is a very big honour for me and I am ready," he said.
Twani remained tight-lipped about the outcome.
"I don't know anything about Smokey, but I'll do my talking in the ring," he said.
In the main supporting bout Namibia's Albinus Felesianu will take on Herbert Quartey of Ghana for the IBF Featherweight World Youth title.
Felesianu, who has a record of 14 wins and three losses, said he was confident of victory.
"I have been training for two months for this fight and I am ready and prepared. I don't know anything about my opponent but I will do my job in the ring on Friday," he said.
Quartey, who has a record of 10 wins and eight defeats, was also in confident mood.
"I have been training for three months and am fit and ready. It's not a problem for me to fight in Namibia because I have travelled before. My dream is to become the world champion," he said.
There will be six other fights on the undercard featuring some of Namibia's up-and-coming boxers like Lukas 'The Demolisher' Ndafoluma, Steven Shimbonde, Christian Ukelo and Matheus Shiimbi.
The boxing bonanza, which will take place at the Windhoek Country Club, is a joint promotion between Warriors Promotions and Kinda Promotions and will be sponsored by Telecom Namibia.
Promoter Nangolo Kinda thanked Telecom for their sponsorship, saying that the fight would not have been possible without it.
"Telecom Namibia has been supporting boxing in Namibia since the beginning and we are very thankful for their sponsorship. This will be a big night with two title fights and I call on the Namibian public to come out in large numbers to enjoy some top class boxing," he said.
The tickets cost N$100 and N$200 for ringside seats and are available at the Namibian Boxing Control Board office or through Computicket at Checkers and Shoprite.
