New Era

WINDHOEK – Despite having to deal with the disappointment of his cancelled world title fight against World Boxing Organization (WBO) light heavyweight champion, Juergen Braehmer, WBO Africa light heavyweight champion, Vikapita ‘Beast Master’ Meroro, has moved a step closer to the world crown.

The hard-punching Namibian shook off a tough challenge against a hastily drafted Russian opponent to win a unanimous points decision over eight rounds at the popular Sport and Congress Centre in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany, on Saturday.

Meroro was initially scheduled to fight for the WBO light heavyweight world title against the champion Braehmer, but the German chickened out at the eleventh hour as he opted to fight against the lowly-ranked Alejandro Lakatos from Spain.

Speaking to New Era Sports after the fight in Germany, Meroro’s handler and world acclaimed boxing promoter, Nestor ‘Sunshine’ Tobias, said the fight was tough.

“We were hard at work preparing for the world title fight against Braehmer and there was no way we could jeopardize all the hard work we put in. It was a very tough fight because he fought against a highly experienced and worthy opponent, but in the end my boy was just too good and deservedly triumphed.

“Overall, I’m very happy with his performance and level of commitment and believe it’s just a matter of time before he becomes a world champion,” said Tobias boastfully.

His victory has now certainly paved the way for him to stake a serious challenge for the WBO light heavyweight world title as the mandatory challenger against the elusive German.

The Namibian pushed his tally to 18 wins and 19 bouts since turning professional.

His only defeat came at the hands of the more experienced Ukrainian, Stanislav Kashtanov, in 2007.

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