Nghitumbwa\'s stable pushing for world title breakthrough
Boxing
MTC Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias Boxing and Fitness Academy promoter Nestor Tobias says his stable is just “one call away” from a world title fight. The promoter is confident that Japan’s superstar Naoya Inoue, the unified super bantamweight champion of the WBO, WBC and IBF, will not evade facing the WBO African title holder, Fillipus Nghitumbwa.
Tobias says the Japanese camp has been elusive in terms of accepting a fight between their boxer and Nghitumbwa.
He is, however, optimistic that they might get a crack at a title fight early in 2026.
“I must say that the world title is just a call away, because Energy is currently an African and global champion.
“I also believe he is the most dangerous boxer in the world right now.
“The champion he wants to face next has been busy and will be busy until the beginning of next year and that is why it is a bit difficult for us to have that fight this year,” Tobias said.
Financial challenges
The promoter said the Japanese boxer is focused on fights that can bring optimal income with TV rights and that is why it is rather difficult for Nghitumbwa to get a foot in the door for an immediate world title showdown.
Tobias says Inoue has been attracting many potential opponents, but his camp will select those who can earn him the big paydays.
“The problem we have now is that Inoue only takes fights that can attract big broadcasters and bring him a big income.
“The only way right now is to make Energy a mandatory challenger, which will leave the Japanese with no choice but to fight Energy, or risk being stripped of the belt.
“As a stable, we have been in these situations many times before and my experience will surely earn the boxer a world title fight sooner or later,” Tobias said.
Big fight at home
Tobias believes inviting a high-profile boxer from abroad to fight Nghitumbwa in Namibia could speed up the process of getting the Namibian to fight the Japanese.
“One of the things we need to do is invite a top boxer in the division to fight Energy here in Namibia.
“The challenge in that scenario is, however, that one needs big money and sponsors to stage such a fight at home.
“This is why we will need big sponsorship to make sure that Energy becomes mandatory in that division.”
Most recent appearances
The 32-year-old Japanese legend fought a week ago when he defended his titles by unanimous decision against Uzbekistan\'s Murodjon Akhmadaliev in Nagoya.
Nghitumbwa’s most recent fight on 25 August also saw him claiming the global super bantamweight title after knocking out South Africa’s Mxolisi Zuma in round 6 in Windhoek.
As things stand, Inoue will defend his undisputed super-bantamweight world championship against Mexico\'s David Picasso (32-0-1; 17 KOs) on 27 December in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“Like I said, there are so many boxers who have lined up to face Inoue and we will just have to join the queue for now.
“As a stable, we remain positive that our boxer will get a chance for that title sooner than expected,” Tobias noted.
Fight records
The 29-year-old Namibian boxer has had 19 professional fights since his debut in September 2019, winning 17 (15 by knockout) and losing only two fights, both on points.
Inoue, nicknamed “The Monster”, possesses a deadly record of 31 wins in 31 professional fights (27 KOs).
The Japanese legend has held multiple world titles in four weight classes, and is one of only three male boxers in history to become the undisputed champion in two weight classes in the four-belt era (bantamweight and super bantamweight).
Proud
The Namibian promoter expressed satisfaction with how far his stable has come and its current crop of contenders.
“Energy is not the only guy likely to fight for a world title; we have several guys that can potentially get chances.
“As a promoter, I am proud of the work we have put up as a stable and I am sure that we will produce world champions in the near future, just like we have done in the past.”