Promising young boxers need financing
In the picture: Dedicated and enthusiastic boxers from the Tiger Cage Club with promoters and trainers in the ring during a training session. (Photograph Yvonne Amukwaya)
According to Ludwig Haimbodi, promoter of Warriors Promotions, the tournaments did not take place as a result of lack of finances but plans are underway for the Club to host its own tournaments early next year in order to enhance and promote amateur boxers.
The Club is home to eight professionals as well as twenty amateur boxers. Haimbodi said that the boxers are highly commited and disciplined and with the right exposure will grow into the next champions. He said, “many boxers come from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and they walk from as far as Havana just to be at training. It takes a lot to live so far and be on time day after day.”
When the Economist visited the gym recently, we were greeted by a group of young and clearly dedicated professional boxers in the making who according to Haimbodi rely on boxing for a living.
“Most of the young boys have nothing to do and boxing keeps them off the street, and while at it, they make a living out of the little that they get as well as manage to take care of their families.”
He said that they hope to get more sponsors on board in order to host more tournaments for the boxers to build their world records and cut down on challenges that the boxing fraternity is currently facing.
Although the season has officially closed-off, boxers continue to train for the promising next year.
Warrior Promotions received funding worth N$100,000 from Telecom for a boxing match which took place recently and Haimbodi thanked the Company for their kind gesture and called on the private sector to come on board and support the boxing fraternity.
