Windhoek — Joseph 'Smokey' Hilongwa will be eager to see how his stable performs against the 7-member Zimbabwean contingent of pugilists this weekend as he promotes his third fight in the paid ranks.

Armed with a handsome N$100 000, courtesy of Telecom Namibia, the Warrior's stable hopes to provide an entertaining night with tickets priced at N$50 - a wise move since the organisers aim to attract maximum publicity due to the Telecom sponsorship to allow more amateur boxers to strut their stuff and show their mettle.

"I asked him (Smokey) why he has decided to take the tournament to Khomasdal since, as far as I know, there is no boxing taking place there. Smokey was adamant that he wanted to see more young people in that area join the sport and ignite a passion for boxing in that community," said Telecom's Oiva Angula before handing over the purse.

Angula reckons emphasis on activities, which promote active lifestyles such as brawling in the ring - could provide an outlet and reduce the decline in young people's levels of activity. Tommy 'Show' Nakashimba will enjoy top billing among the main attractions, when he squares off against Zimbabwean challenger Nkululeko Vengenayi in the featherweight division over 10 rounds.

Other bouts include Iipinge Irvin Kaunampito, who will come up against debutant Sacky Kambalili Haufiku in the super bantamweight division, while Namibian middleweight sensation Alfeus Shilongo will battle it out with Zimbabwean Keith Jeremiah Kabika, as both boxers seek to make a professional mark.

In other bouts, Lazarus Namalambo takes on Zimbabwean Tinashe Musodza, while in the super flyweight division, Timoteus 'Remember' Shuulula faces Ntando Sibanda (Zimbabwe). Zimbabweans Dumezweni Ntuliki and Nicola Mutonora will come face to face with Steven 'Anaconda' Shimbonde and Lukas 'The Demolisher' Ndafoluma in the welterweight division.

The weigh-in will take place at the Namibian Boxing and Wrestling Control Board today at 11h00, while the first blows will be traded at 20h00 tomorrow at the Khomasdal Community Hall.