by Tamas Pradarics
Undefeated WBO No. 6 rated middleweight contender Walter Kautondokwa returns to the ring this coming Saturday in his native Windhoek, Namibia. The hard-hitting Kautondokwa (15-0, 14 KOs) will headline a ten-bout card while defending his WBO Africa title against Tanzanian Meshack Mwankemwa (17-3-2, 10 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round matchup at the Windhoek Country Club Resort.
Walter has been eager to secure a shot at champion Billy Joe Saunders several times during this year. Of course, it is highly difficult for an African fighter to get a name for himself without facing quality opposition. Kautondokwa has trouble with facing boxers who could lead him to be chosen in a voluntary defense for a championship bout. He is an unknown fighter who has devastating power in both hands. That is a bad combination to get meaningful fights in boxing.
”It is extremely difficult to find opponents willing to share a ring with Walter, most likely because he is a knockout specialist,” said Nestor Tobias, manager of Kautondokwa to BoxingScene.com.
”We have made so many offers to about 80% of the fighters in the top 15 and most of them turned down the opportunity to face Walter. So all we can do now is to keep him busy with African opponents and improve his ranking position. They can avoid him now but not forever.”
Perhaps it takes more time than expected by the Namibian contingent, but with a potential win on Saturday, the 32-year-old Kautondokwa would still make another step towards his goal of eventually getting a world title shot at 160 pounds.
Also on the card a clash between two unbeaten welterweight prospects for the vacant WBO Africa title. Namibian Mikka Shonena (10-0, 1 KO) looks to be his country’s next well-kept secret. His opponent this time will be experienced Tanzanian Idd Pialari (23-3-1-1, 17 KOs).
The third title fight during the evening takes place between Onesmus Nekundi (8-3-2, 1 KO) and debutant Kenedy Imalwa to decide who the next Namibian champion will be at featherweight.
Seven more non-title bouts are taking place between novices and up-and-comers.
Tickets are available at Compu Ticket outlets and at the Windhoek Country Club reception. General tickets sell for only N$200 while a VIP table seating 10 persons sell for only N$10,000. The event is promoted by Nestor Tobias and is proudly sponsored by MTC.
You can reach Tamas Pradarics at pradaricst@yahoo.com and follow him on Twitter @TomiPradarics.
