Windhoek — NAMIBIA'S World Boxing Association (WBA) Pan-African welterweight champion, Paulus 'Ali' Nuumbembe, was awarded with a Commendation Medal by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Friday.

The Commendation Medal is awarded for outstanding military duties.

The MoD Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Martin Shali, presented the award to Nuumbembe, a captain in the army, for capturing the World Boxing Association (WBA) Pan-African welterweight title last month.

It is the first time that the award is given to a member of the MoD since its establishment, said Lieutenant Colonel Rinette Hulme on enquiry.

Nuumbembe said he felt honoured and happy, adding that he will continue to inspire his colleagues in their drive to achieve continental and world titles.

The soft-spoken Nuumbembe was crowned the new WBA Pan-African welterweight champion after defeating South Africa's Welcome Ntshingila by a unanimous decision in their 12-round-bout held in Windhoek.

Nuumbembe, who is a former Commonwealth titleholder, might defend his new title later this year but does not know the challenger yet.

He is nevertheless back in the gym training hard with coach Nestor 'Sunshine' Tobias.

With his latest victory, Nuumbembe now boasts a record of 24 fights of which he won 20, lost three and drew one.