Saturday at Windhoek Country Club Resort in Windhoek, Namibia, Namibian boxing sensation Immanuel “The Prince” Naidjala won the WBA Pan-African interim bantamweight title over South African Cebo Ngema (9-5-2, 7 KOs) by scores of 120-108 and 118-111 twice after 12 pulsating rounds of action.
Donning his usual yellow and red trunks, Naidjala was looking to not fall short again to another fearless and strong South African fighter, which was the case in his last fight when he lost his WBO Africa bantamweight title to Gideon Buthelezi.
This time Naidjala controlled the action with dazzling speed and a powerful lightning-quick jab that dominated the gutsy Ngema.
“He was just too fast for me,” said Ngema in the post-fight interview. “I was just too slow and I couldn’t catch up with his speed. I’m not surprised. The best man won. I’m not complaining about anything. So congratulations to The Prince.”
Through the first four rounds the Namibian was winning easily with a strong repertoire of combination punching. In the middle rounds the exchanges between the two African warriors grew more intense, highlighted by Naidjala going down on a slip after exciting back-and-forth action that had the crowd on their feet. Having gotten a taste of the South African’s power, Naidjala went on the defensive with the help of his precise and masterful jab.
In addition to his jab, about which too much cannot be said, The Prince’s elusive speed frustrated Ngema, who tried but failed to catch the new WBA Pan-African interim bantamweight champion.
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.