Storm coming for Ford
• Experience versus youth
Featherweight boxer Sakaria 'Desert Storm' Lukas and his team are adding the final touches to his preparation as he gets ready to fight American Raymond Ford next month.
Limba MupetamiWindhoek
Namibian boxer Sakaria ‘Desert Storm’ Lukas is in top form as he gears up for a fight against American boxer Raymond Ford on 12 November for the WBA Continental Americas Featherweight title at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, United States of America.
The 38-year-old Lukas, trained and promoted by Immanuel ‘AC’ Moses, is a hard puncher who has been in the game for almost 11 years.
Lukas made his professional debut on 19 March 2011 when he was 26 years old, against Costa Nilo Frans.
He won the fight by unanimous decision (UD).
Having experience on his side, Lukas will lay everything bare on the night as he has a point to prove against his much younger opponent.
Top shape
The Namibian might be a little fight rusty, having last fought on 22 January against Mongolia’s Tugstsogt Nyambayar, with the fight ending in a draw by split decision.
However, rustiness is something Lukas doesn’t know anything about as he has been working extremely hard to stay in top shape for the fight.
His promoter, Moses, said they have been preparing for the fight for two months.
“We knew the fight was coming. It wasn’t short notice. Two weeks before the fight was announced, we already knew about it. We have been preparing well. We know Ford very well – he is young and can fight as he wants to become a world champion. He is up and coming.
“The WBO is looking at the top 10 guys to fight each other. Lukas is ranked 12th, whereas Ford is ranked 8th. Lukas is one of the top guys in the country – that’s why he gets big shots. This time around, I’m pushing him to deliver a knockout.
“I believe if you go to America, you need to knock someone out. We are looking for a knockout to get a chance at a big dream. We have been sparring with Julius ‘Blue Machine’ Indongo and Flaime ‘Special One’ Nangolo. Ford has a similar style to Nangolo.”
Moses added that he is pushing Lukas to step up to the plate, take the fight to Ford, and to make him uncomfortable from the first round. The winner will either become number one or a mandatory challenger to the champion.
Great end to the year
Moses added that AC Boxing has had a great year, having fought 25 fights internationally, explaining that the number comes with the territory.
“We are looking forward to a great ending to the year. Lukas will deliver. I’m 100% sure that he will. We will leave the country next week and return before 19 November, as Nangolo will also be contesting for the WBA Pan African for the first time.”
Moses added that they will continue to push and hope to secure sponsorship next year.
In total, Lukas has a record of 27 fights, 25 wins and one loss.
His 23-year old opponent, Ford, has achieved greatness in the amateur scene against the odds. He boasts a total of 13 fights, 12 wins and one draw, making him one of the hottest names on Matchroom’s young US roster.
Ford made his professional debut on 5 March 2019 against Weusi Johnson and has so far gone on to bag the two-time National Golden Gloves championships.
The last fight of Raymond Ford took place on June 25, 2022, against Richard Medina. Ford won by UD.
Namibian boxer Sakaria ‘Desert Storm’ Lukas is in top form as he gears up for a fight against American boxer Raymond Ford on 12 November for the WBA Continental Americas Featherweight title at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, United States of America.
The 38-year-old Lukas, trained and promoted by Immanuel ‘AC’ Moses, is a hard puncher who has been in the game for almost 11 years.
Lukas made his professional debut on 19 March 2011 when he was 26 years old, against Costa Nilo Frans.
He won the fight by unanimous decision (UD).
Having experience on his side, Lukas will lay everything bare on the night as he has a point to prove against his much younger opponent.
Top shape
The Namibian might be a little fight rusty, having last fought on 22 January against Mongolia’s Tugstsogt Nyambayar, with the fight ending in a draw by split decision.
However, rustiness is something Lukas doesn’t know anything about as he has been working extremely hard to stay in top shape for the fight.
His promoter, Moses, said they have been preparing for the fight for two months.
“We knew the fight was coming. It wasn’t short notice. Two weeks before the fight was announced, we already knew about it. We have been preparing well. We know Ford very well – he is young and can fight as he wants to become a world champion. He is up and coming.
“The WBO is looking at the top 10 guys to fight each other. Lukas is ranked 12th, whereas Ford is ranked 8th. Lukas is one of the top guys in the country – that’s why he gets big shots. This time around, I’m pushing him to deliver a knockout.
“I believe if you go to America, you need to knock someone out. We are looking for a knockout to get a chance at a big dream. We have been sparring with Julius ‘Blue Machine’ Indongo and Flaime ‘Special One’ Nangolo. Ford has a similar style to Nangolo.”
Moses added that he is pushing Lukas to step up to the plate, take the fight to Ford, and to make him uncomfortable from the first round. The winner will either become number one or a mandatory challenger to the champion.
Great end to the year
Moses added that AC Boxing has had a great year, having fought 25 fights internationally, explaining that the number comes with the territory.
“We are looking forward to a great ending to the year. Lukas will deliver. I’m 100% sure that he will. We will leave the country next week and return before 19 November, as Nangolo will also be contesting for the WBA Pan African for the first time.”
Moses added that they will continue to push and hope to secure sponsorship next year.
In total, Lukas has a record of 27 fights, 25 wins and one loss.
His 23-year old opponent, Ford, has achieved greatness in the amateur scene against the odds. He boasts a total of 13 fights, 12 wins and one draw, making him one of the hottest names on Matchroom’s young US roster.
Ford made his professional debut on 5 March 2019 against Weusi Johnson and has so far gone on to bag the two-time National Golden Gloves championships.
The last fight of Raymond Ford took place on June 25, 2022, against Richard Medina. Ford won by UD.
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