Professional boxers allowed to fight amateurs

Naledi Lemogang | Friday April 7, 2017 17:55

This saw some local professional pugilists raise their concerns. 

Botswana has been lagging behind in implementing the IBA rule, arguing there were certain aspects to be considered before implementation. 

BoBA argued that professional boxers do not operate under their ambit. BoBA sports development officer, Healer Modiradilo told Mmegi Sport yesterday that professional boxers will be allowed to participate in an amateur tournament to be held at the University of Botswana over the weekend.

“This rule has been there under IBA. It is just that we have been behind in implementing the rule since our amateur athletes were not ready to fight lengthy bouts which professionals can fight. Our amateur boxer hardly fight five bouts,” Modiradilo said.

Meanwhile, Modiradilo said national team slots remain available and he expects a lot of improvement from boxers this weekend.

“We are starting a new Olympic circle,” he said, adding that he encourages boxers and clubs to take boxing to international level.

BoBA public relations officer Kenny Maragana said despite a low turn out of women in the previous two editions of this year’s inter club competitions, he has seen an improvement and positive approach from their male counterparts. He said clubs respect time and they are recruiting young boxers.

In a related development, Bond Boxing Promotions will host a professional boxing tournament this month under the Professional Boxing Association of Botswana (PBAB). Botswana Professional Boxing promoter, Bond Ngubula told Mmegi Sport that there will be two international boxers from Zimbabwe and Zambia.

 “The preparations are on going with no injuries, so the athletes are fit. We have different professional boxers from different clubs,” he said.

Ngubula said the main bout will feature Tinash Mutodza of Zimbabwe and local professional boxer, Tefo Letshikgwane. The six fights bout tournament will be held at the Main Mall on the evening of April 21. Standard tickets cost P100 and P500 for ringside seats.

 

Supporting bouts for the pro tournament:

Tshephang Babui vs Tshepo Khutloeng

Thabiso Mpolokeng vs Moreki Maiketso

Gift Baaname vs Olaotse Rannobe

Tshepiso Mokgadi vs Moses Kamera

Oarabile Mothibedi vs Bernard Mwango (Zambia)