Simon Jr disappointed but will use time to prepare
By Michael Uugwanga
DESPITE Feeling disappointed after seeing the most important fight of his career to date postponed due to coronavirus, Harry Simon Jr says the postponement of his fight against South African Jabulani Makhense on 21 March has given him more time to perfect himself until the fight is rescheduled.
Simon Jr, who is yet to be tested against some of the best boxers on the continent, was set to face one of South Africa’s top boxers at the famous Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention and Entertainment Resort at Kempton Park, South Africa for the World Boxing Africa (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) Africa Welterweight titles.
Simon Jr, son to arguably Namibia’s greatest boxer of all time Harry Simon, a former undefeated World Boxing Organisation (WBO) Middleweight world champions, said he was in the best shape of his life heading into the Makhense fight.
Simon Jr spoke to Confidente Sport candidly about the postponement of this high-profile fight, which could define his future in boxing.
“I was in the best shape of my career so far for this fight. I had the perfect training camp and I had good influences around me. Everything was on track as I was ready to bring the belts back home, but due to the coronavirus my fight got postponed till further notice and therefore there is nothing I could have done to change it.
“I felt that the outbreak (of coronavirus) just delayed me being crowned champion, but on the other hand is also a blessingin disguise because I will get more time to perfect myself, as I am still young and I am just getting better each and every day, so once the fight comes up I will be two times [more] prepared.
“Although there is no training going on due to the directive given that all sport activities be put on hold, I am still keeping myself fit by doing more road work, such as jogging and training on my own at home, such as studying boxing tapes,” said the 22-year-old.
Simon Jr is being trained by the most underrated trainer in the country in Siegfried Kaperu at the Nestor Sunshine Tobias and Fitness Academy.
Simon Jr is surrounded by top boxers, such as Jeremiah ‘Low-Key’ Nakathila, Walter ‘Executioner’ Kautondokwa and Mikka Shonena, who all play arole in motivating the youngster to become the best boxer in coming years like his legendary father.
“I am expecting to fight Makhanse very soon and he is one of the best in Africa. My short term goal is to be number one in Africa and he (Makhanse) is therefore the one to beat so that I become the first on the continent. To be the best you have to beat the best. I am definitely looking forward to fight him and become the champion,” said Simon Jr.