Botswana coach upset about boxing judges

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Wednesday August 13, 2008 00:00

 

'Yes we lost but I think in the last two rounds, the judges based their decisions on the dominance of Batshegi_s opponent in the first two rounds. I still feel that Batshegi could have been given more points especially in the last two rounds,'

he said. Setlalekgosi told Mmegi Sport that the standards at this year's Olympics are no better than what Botswana boxers have gone through in other tournaments locally and internationally. He added that Botswana boxers should fight more Europeans to learn and match them during tournaments.

'They are very good technically. Batshegi's opponent was technically good in that he took the lead in the early rounds and then decided to protect the lead until the end,'

he said. He praised Batshegi for showing good spirit and determination though he was disadvantaged by height. He said that the Georgian fighter was short and this gave him advantage over Batshegi. He pointed out that though the training camp in Cuba gave them good preparation, it was not enough. _Going for a training camp a month before the Olympics is not enough. We need to have these kind of preparations very early,_ he said.

He stated that though Batshegi in his first attempt at the Olympics did very well, the boxer is unhappy about the loss. 'I spoke to him and he is still asking himself how he lost this fight,' Setlalekgosi added. He said that though the outing is a good experience for Batshegi, the loss is difficult to take since there is no second chance in boxing.

Meanwhile, the second Botswana boxer at the Olympics, Khumiso Ikgopoleng was expected to be in the thick of things yesterday. The result of the bout was not available at the time of going to press. Be sure to catch all the story about his match in tomorrow_s edition.