The Gold Rush attracts international boxers
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday April 14, 2025 09:08
Event organiser, Boysie Francis, told journalists this week that the tournament, to be held at the Adansonia Hotel, will attract boxers from South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. He said whilst they have not concluded signing contracts, they expect at least three professional boxers from the mentioned countries. Francis described the tournament as 'one of a kind' that will have local professional boxers, Ontlafetse Phane and Moabi Ngaka, as the headliners. He stated that Phane, who has lost 90 of his 105 fights in amateur boxing, transformed to professional boxing where he has fought twice. Francis indicated that Ngaka holds a WBF title and has participated in seven professional fights, and lost only two. Ngaka's last two fights were in Vietnam. He said having the duo as headliners shows a rich and sellable card to the world.
Francis also said they have an undercard, which includes boxers such as welterweight boxer, Kagiso Bagwasi, Kutlwano Ogaketse, and Tshepang 'Gearbox' Babui. He said it will be an eight round championship. There are no female boxers for the championship as most are still amateurs. Francistown deputy mayor, Uyapo Nyeku, said the tournament will not only highlight the exceptional boxing talent but position the city as a key destination of sport tourism. He said this will be the first time the national lightweight title will be contested in Francistown. Furthermore, he said this will be a significant milestone that brings the city closer to realising the vision of making Francistown the capital of boxing in the country and region. Nyeku said Ngaka and Phane are the true epitome of dedication and perseverance in the world of sport. 'Their unwavering commitment to their careers despite challenges serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes,' he said.
The Perfect Punch Boxing’s promoter, Kamogelo Francis, said their journey began in 2008 before the landscape of professional boxing in Botswana had a clear local governance. She stated that since 2012 after formalising their operations, they have worked tirelessly to grow boxing, support local talent, and put Botswana on the international map. “We find ourselves at a pivotal moment not just for boxing but for every sport in the country. The new government's decentralisation policy is not just a directive but a call for action,” she added. Kamogelo urged every department to bring services closer to communities and ensure inclusivity in the development efforts. 'In the realm of sports, this means that they must break down barriers and make sports more accessible, visible, and impactful,' she said.