When Namibian favorite Bethuel “Unstoppable” Ushona lost a controversial decision for the WBF World Welterweight title to Germany´s Deniz Ilbay last June, the World Boxing Federation executive committee soon after ordered an immediate rematch. However, Ilbay showed no desire to settle the score in the ring, but rather chose to run away with his disputed win and vacate the title. So now Ushona will take on former European champion Rafal Jackiewicz from Poland for the vacant title on December 3 in Winhoek, headlining a big show promoted by Salute Boxing Academy.
This will be a clash between two very experienced boxers. A former Namibian national champion and WBO, WBA and IBO regional titlist, Ushona has taken part in eighteen championship fights, of which he has won fourteen, and brings an excellent 34-5-1 (9) record.
Like Ushona, this will be the second attempt at a recognized world championship for Jackiewicz, 48-15-2 (22), who won the European title in 2008 against Jacson Osei Bonsu (28-1), and made two successful defenses against undefeated Luciano Abis (25-0-1) and Jan Zaveck (25-0).
After beating tough Dominican Delvin Rodrigues (24-3-2) in 2009, he went on to challenge the aforementioned Zaveck, who would later also become WBF world champion at Super Welterweight, for the IBF world title, losing by close majority decision in Slovenia.
Now 39 years old, a professional since 2001 and a veteran of fourteen championship fights, this could very well be the last opportunity for Jackiewicz to become world champion. But he has proved in the past that he, at his best, is a world class fighter, willing to go into his opponents back yard to achieve glory. Source/WBF Press Release