Heita plots success at next bonanza
The MTC Nestor Sunshine Tobias Boxing Academy has announced that one of Namibia’s biggest boxing stars, Mateus Heita, will headline the upcoming tribute for the late founding father Sam Nujoma boxing bonanza set for 9 May 2026.
The event will take place at the Windhoek Show grounds, hosted in partnership with the Sam Nujoma Foundation, and aimed to celebrate the enduring legacy of Namibia’s Founding Father, whose contribution to sport – particularly boxing – remains significant.
The late Nujoma also served as the patron of the Academy.
The 28-year-old Heita (15-1; 10 KOs), the reigning WBO Africa featherweight champion, will defend his title on the night in what promises to be a thrilling showdown against highly rated former South African national title holder Zolisa Batyi (11-3-1; 6 KOs).
The bonanza is expected to deliver top-class boxing action, with several of Namibia’s finest fighters also set to feature on the card, including Fillipus “Energy” Nghitumbwa, Harry Simon Junior, Joy Nangolo, and Martin Mukungu, alongside other promising prospects.
Heita made his international break and made history at Madison Square Garden in New York last July, where he went toe-to-toe with unbeaten American star Bruce Carrington, the current WBC world champion.
The upcoming bout is seen as another major step in improving Heita’s world rankings and positioning him for another shot at a world title.
Honouring and uplifting
Promoter Nestor Tobias said the event is about more than just boxing.
“Boxing is not just about the fighters in the ring; it stimulates multiple sectors of the Namibian economy, impacting industries such as beauty, fitness, medical services, catering, and marketing,” said Tobias.
“This event contributes to the economic landscape through various sectors and exemplifies youth empowerment by guiding young people from difficult circumstances toward a better future, enabling them to provide for themselves and their families.”
He added that the academy remains committed to using boxing as a platform to develop champions while also uplifting communities.
“We owe this legacy to influential figures like Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma, who recognised Namibia’s potential. I would like to thank our main sponsor MTC and co-sponsor PstBet for making this possible, and we are calling on other organisations to come on board and support this event,” Tobias said.
Meanwhile, Heita called on Namibians from all walks of life to attend and support the event.
“I would love to invite all my fans, the government, members of parliament, ministers, the prime minister, traditional authorities, the President, former presidents, and former first ladies to come and witness one of Namibia’s greatest athletes in action right here in the Land of the Brave,” said Heita.
“I have learned a lot from my last 16 fights, and I am ready to take on the world.”
The academy also announced that the Dr Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma Boxing Bonanza will become an annual event, dedicated to honouring the life and contributions of Namibia’s Founding Father.
Organisers are appealing to business leaders, stakeholders, and the wider public to support the initiative either financially or in kind.
“Together, let us unite and support our young people as we continue the struggle for economic emancipation,” the academy said.
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