Helao nafidi: The highly anticipated festive boxing event organised by Salute Boxing Academy in collaboration with Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), named after President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, is scheduled for the Helao Nafidi Expo Hall on 20 December 2025. The Ohangwena Region will host the inaugural edition of the annual boxing bonanza, which is planned to take place on a rotating basis across the country.
According to Namibia Press Agency, speaking at a press conference in Windhoek on Wednesday, Fredrich Nghiyolwa, an executive member of the event, stated that the event has received the blessing and endorsement of the president of the country after discussions to name the event in her honour. 'This tournament has been blessed and authorised by the President of the Republic of Namibia. It has been named in her honour and will be held annually,' he said.
Nghiyolwa confirmed that the boxing event will feature more than 10 bouts, including four international title fights and three national title fights, along with five non-title fights. It will showcase Tomas Shifiona competing against Herman Johnny in a non-title four-round bout in the featherweight category, with Merven Nguno set to face Johannes Frela in a six-round bout in the junior welterweight category. Former featherweight national champion Nathanael Kakololo will fight Josef Abel in the lightweight category. Other non-title fights include Anthony Jarman versus Otja Tjihero in the cruiserweight division.
Another notable fighter on the cards is veteran boxer Walter 'The Executioner' Kautondokwa, who will be in familiar territory as he prepares to face Malawian national Kudakwache Banda in an eight-round bout in the super middleweight division. Vikapita Merero will return to the ring after his recent defeat to Naftalie Sheyapo, taking on Kareb Shitana in a 10-round cruiserweight national title bout. In the flyweight division, Jonas Erastus will fight Elias Moongela for the national title, while Simon Angula will fight against David Shinuna for the lightweight national title.
Fillemon Nghutenanye will face Ramel Macado Jnr from the Philippines in a vacant flyweight World Boxing Organisation global title bout featuring 12 rounds. Jonathan Kasheeta will defend his bantamweight WBO youth international title against Tanzanian Nassoro Ndame, and Immanuel Josef will take on Zolile Miya from South Africa in the flyweight division. Abed Shikongo will compete against South African Simon Dladla in a catchweight international bout to conclude the evening.
MTC Salute Boxing Academy chairman, Kiriata Kamanya called on the public to support the event, stating that it will be a Christmas gift for boxing enthusiasts.