The highly anticipated boxing exhibition match between legendary Namibian boxer Harry Simon and local contender Ninja was abruptly cancelled at the last minute by the Boxing Control Board, citing medical concerns related to Simon.
The decision, announced shortly before the event was set to take place, left fans disappointed and sparked criticism over how the situation was handled.
Speaking to Media, Ninja expressed his frustration with the outcome.
“It’s disappointing. I’ve been preparing since January,” Ninja said. “However, if someone says they are sick, that’s something beyond our control.”
Despite Ninja’s understanding, many fans felt the situation was mishandled by the regulatory body.
“This wasn’t a professional boxing match, it was a community initiative. Harry Simon is retired. I don’t understand why the Boxing Control Board got involved,” one frustrated fan said. “We paid N$130 for tickets, and now we have nothing to show for it.”
The fight had already been surrounded by controversy. The Boxing Control Board initially warned that the event might not go ahead due to the organizers’ failure to meet regulatory requirements. However, just days before the fight, the event was transferred to new organizers who reportedly met all necessary conditions — giving fans hope that the match would go ahead as planned.
The sudden cancellation has reignited debate over the Board’s role and communication with the public, especially regarding exhibition events aimed at community engagement.
As of now, there is no confirmation whether the match will be rescheduled or refunded.
