Oteng lives his boxing dream

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Friday November 5, 2010 00:00

 

The youngster recently beat much-experienced opponents to land the prestigious boxer of the year crown after the national boxing championships. He is the reigning Zone VI champion in the 52kg category. Last year, he was named the emerging boxer of the year.

Oteng attributes his success to his coach and mentor, Lechedzani 'Master' Luza, a former boxer and 2002 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist. He started training under Luza as a 14-year-old at Nanogang Junior Secondary School. He has always dreamt of being a successful boxer.

Oteng told Mmegi Sport that he enjoys a fruitful relationship with the coach since they understand each other. He said he performs well because Luza encourages him to adopt different strategies every time he faces a new opponent. 'If he knows an opponent I am going to face, he points out his strengths and weaknesses and he formulates a strategy for me,' he said.

Oteng said that he has learnt how to relax when in the ring and think despite the toughness of a bout. He said before every bout, he revises his tactics. 'Sometimes opponents do not make mistakes and as a good boxer, you have to put pressure on your opponent so they make mistakes,' he said.

Oteng, however, said he wants to be the top boxer at the Best of the Best tournament this month.

'I have started preparing for the tournament and I will be working on the mistakes I made during the national championships.

Meanwhile, Luza said Oteng is performing well because he has gone through the necessary grooming stages. He said Oteng's discipline even outside the ring has ensured his early success. 'The lad is very reserved and has never given me trouble on and off the ring,' he said. Luza is disappointed that Oteng only got a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games. 'I had expected him to get at least a silver medal and break my 2002 Commonwealth record,' he said. He still has hope that Oteng will perform well in upcoming international tournaments. 'The boy has a lot of potential and he still has a lot to learn,' he said. Luza stated that he is happy about the type of boxers he is producing at the University of Botswana (UB) Boxing Club. One of his new recruits, Nkatlholang Sembere won his first gold at the national championships last weekend. This helped UB to finish second behind champions, Eastern Military Garrison (EMG).