
CONSTANTINO NANGA has undergone an extraordinary transformation from a chaotic life filled with unruly football fans to being recognized as one of the most thrilling light-heavyweight talents on the international scene.
This undefeated dynamo, originally from Angola and currently living in Sweden, once dreamed of following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, hoping to don the iconic Manchester United jersey in his youth.
Nanga had once envisioned a life as a notorious hooligan, heavily influenced by films like ‘Football Factory’.
Diving headlong into the hooligan lifestyle, he thrived on the violence that accompanied confrontations with rival factions.
However, after demonstrating his fighting prowess against various rival gangs, an elder in his group advised him to redirect this raw talent into a more constructive endeavor.
In a candid chat with SunSport, the 28-year-old shared: “At one point, it hit me—I wouldn’t become a professional footballer.
“The shift to fighting came naturally. I pondered, ‘What’s my next goal?’ Football hooliganism.
“Through that lifestyle, I stumbled upon fighting, and a senior member of my crew remarked, ‘You have real talent.’
“‘You should separate yourself from the hooligan culture and take this fighting seriously.’
“They inspired me to take fighting more earnestly. That’s the journey that brought me here.”
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Nevertheless, Nanga didn’t approach the demanding training regimens with aspirations of becoming a championship fighter.
“I never saw myself as a professional combatant,” he reflected.
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“Even during my fight training, it wasn’t with the intent of going pro. My main objective was always football.
“My secondary ambition was to be the world’s top football hooligan—number one.
“So, I trained in fighting just to be the toughest hooligan.
“I applied the same level of commitment to hooliganism that I now dedicate to my fighting, striving to excel in both pursuers.”
While Nanga aimed to become the most infamous football hooligan, his dedication in the gym ultimately translated into success within the boxing ring.
The 175lb contender boasts a stellar record of 12-0 since starting his professional journey in November 2022.
Though still not widely recognized, he has already captured the attention of boxing icon Lennox Lewis, who is providing mentorship as he rises through the ranks.
Receiving insights from the undisputed heavyweight champion has been a remarkable experience for Nanga.
He shared: “I feel honored that [Lennox chose to mentor me]. It may be fate; how can one tell?
“What I appreciate most is that it could have been anyone else—another fighter, a different promoter, or various figures in boxing who could have guided my career.
“But it’s Lennox’s essence, character, and who he is that I genuinely respect.
“He embodies everything I wished for in a mentor.”
Lewis sees an encouraging future for Nanga, provided he takes the right steps and listens to his valuable guidance.