UB hosts Best of the Best

MOGOMOTSI MOLOI
Correspondent | Friday February 8, 2008 00:00

The boxing spectacular pits last year's champions. BABA spokesperson Willough Kemoen told Mmegi Sport yesterday that the tournament is the second largest in the country after the national championships. He said different boxers will fight it out with the hope of booking a place in the national team and taking part in the second qualifiers for the Olympics in Namibia next month. Only Khumiso Ikgopoleng qualified during the last qualifiers in Algeria. Herbert Nkabiti, Thato Batshegi and Gaolatlhe Mpotsang failed to make it in Algeria and hope to use the Best of the Best tournament to prepare for the second qualifiers.

Kemoen said the Best of the Best tournament comes at a time when they have to select boxers to defend the Zone VI title in Namibia in April. 'The main purpose of this tournament is to qualify boxers for national championships. Boxing enthusiasts should come in large numbers and witness the cream of Botswana boxing,' he said. Four boxers would compete in each category. Kemoen indicated that there are a number of up-coming boxers eager to stake their claim.

He said BABA has organised special training camps for out of school boxers who are not registered with any club. One of them is upcoming star Kgomotso Bok from Gantsi. With time and proper training, Bok promises to become a very good pugilist. Tomorrow, Gomotsang Gaasite and Mpotsang might renew their rivalry in the final of the 60kg category if they overcome their semi-final opponents Kebonyeone Thebeyame and Trevor Tumeletso respectively. The anticipated fight between Gaasite and Mpotsang has set tongues wagging. Last year, Gaasite faired badly against Mpotsang who might prove a hard nut to crack again.

Kemoen asserted that the judges of the bout have to be up to the task because things might get emotional. In the 75kg category, Oteng Phatshwe of Selebi-Phikwe takes on Abel Randela of BMC while Keolopile Gabaikanngwe (Francistown) battles with his BDF counterpart Lawrence Mbangiwa. After being dropped from the national team due to ill health, 57kg fighter Mmoloki Nogeng should take advantage of tomorrow's tournament to come back. But first, he must overcome Bathusi Maripe from Francistown club.