Renowned boxing promoter Nestor Tobias says he targets to get Sebastianus Natanael into the top-10 world ranking when he takes on Ghanaian boxer John Laryea in a title defence on 30 July 2021 at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana. 

Natanael earlier this year defeated Zimbabwe’s Jeremiah Mhere in Windhoek to claim the vacant World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Africa featherweight belt.

Natanael holds a record of 16 fights with 14 wins and two losses, while Laryea (21) boasts a record of nine fights, eight wins and one draw.

The 30-year old Natanael is ranked number one in the Africa featherweight division and 16th in the world, according to Tobias, who is also the founder of MTC Nestor Sunshine Boxing Academy. 

Speaking to New Era Sport yesterday, Tobias said they target to successfully defend their title and climb in the rankings.

“It’s a very important bout for him and the stable. We have to defend this title by all means for us to climb in our world rankings. We want him to make the top-10 ranking in the world in that respective division,” he said.

On the preparations, Tobias said it is on course – and they are ready to go all out and defend the title. 

“Preparations are going well. He (Natanael) is training separately to keep with the Covid-19 rules and regulations, which has seen contact sport banned in the country,” he noted.

Meanwhile, a confident Natanael said he is grateful for the opportunity and is going to defend his title successfully, adding his training has been going well – he is physically and mentally fit.

“First of all, I want to thank Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias for getting me a fight of this magnitude to defend my belt – and of course, I’ll successfully defend it. Training has really been tremendous; I feel great. I watched my opponent’s fights on YouTube – I’m not bothered by his style at all. It (winning) will put me in a better position for greater opportunities,” said an optimistic Natanael.- mkambukwe@nepc.com.na