Professional boxing will head to the polls next year, and Binda is raising his hand in a bid to retain his position for a second term. The PBAB constitution states that an executive member is allowed to serve for only two terms of four years each. The Binda-led executive committee is accused of overstaying in office whilst the annual general meeting (AGM) is overdue. “Ask them when I became president and what our constitution says. Do not listen to hearsay. Our elections are next year; I will be contesting for the last term of office. I am unshaken. They can bring a candidate to oppose me; I will be ready,” he said.Binda added sport is not a one-man show and there is a need for one to be taught how professional boxing works. He said professional boxing is different from other National Sport Associations (NSAs). Binda’s first term as president began in 2022, but he has been on the committee since 2015. “The association’s members are fully aware of the reasons why the elective AGM will be held in 2027 and not in 2026. This was a resolution adopted by the general assembly, which is the association’s highest decision-making body. It was therefore not a unilateral decision made by me as president, but one collectively taken and approved by the membership in accordance with the association’s governance processes,” Binda stated.He said his committee remains committed to transparency and engaging all legitimate stakeholders through appropriate channels. Meanwhile, PBAB held a two-day workshop in Gaborone that ended yesterday to discuss governance matters. The workshop also focused on professional conduct, ethics, handling of protests and controversial decisions, licencing requirements, and obligations of promoters, including event planning, match-making standards, medical requirements, and boxer safety.The workshop also focused on ethical responsibilities of managers, boxer contracts, and legal obligations. Binda said they also discussed common professional boxing challenges such as late payment of boxers and officials.Other issues that were looked into included industry challenges and stakeholder engagement, amongst others. Boxing South Africa expert, Dr Loyiso Mtya, was one of the facilitators of the workshop. In his remarks, Binda highlighted that Botswana remains one of the few countries where professional boxing continues to operate solely as an NSA. “In many other countries, professional boxing is governed through an Act of Parliament, providing stronger institutional support, clearer governance structures, and greater capacity for growth. Our association is driven entirely by dedicated volunteers who give their time and resources out of passion for the sport,” he revealed.Binda said whilst they remain committed to their responsibilities, the current structure presents significant limitations as they strive to compete on the international stage. He added that they are engaging with the Ministry of Sport and Arts on ways to strengthen the legal and operational framework of professional boxing in Botswana.“We firmly believe that Botswana is a sleeping giant when it comes to boxing. Our nation has produced remarkable talent, and with the right support, professional boxing can become a major contributor to national development. Beyond producing champions, boxing has the potential to create employment opportunities, stimulate tourism, empower young people, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economy.” Binda said the world of professional boxing continues to evolve and it is essential that PBAB leadership continuously sharpen their skills, expand knowledge and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
