Pro boxers geared for Fight Night

Local professional boxing supporters and enthusiasts are expected to throng the Big 5 lodge in Mogoditshane on September 29th for the Independence eve Fight Night event. The professional boxing card featuring five actions packed bouts is organised by Melroy promotions under the Professional Boxing Association of Botswana (PBAB).

The main event for the night will feature four times national champion and super bantamweight prospect Onkarabile Mothibedi. Mothibedi will be facing experienced South African Thamasanqa Cele in what is expected to be an epic 6 rounds of boxing at 55.3kg. In an interview this week, the taciturn local boxing sensation said he was positive to continue where he left off after defeating Zambian Bernard Mwango in a closely contested four rounder. Mothibedi, who is currently on training camp, said his coach Larona Francis has since intensified their program to fit the longer six round bouts.

Mothibedi commands respect and a huge following among the boxing community in Botswana.“ My ambition is to compete at the highest levels in the professional ranks. My boxing idol is the great Floyd Mayweather and I want to emulate his legendary pro boxing record,” said the ambitious Mothibedi. Nevertheless Mothibedi who hails from Goodhope in the Barolong district said he was aware that his opponent is a closed book but this did not faze him due to the training game plan his coach was cooking up.

In an interview this week Professional Boxing Associations of Botswana (PBAB) president Tsietsi ‘Shakes’ Kebualemang said they were happy to sanction the Independence boxing event. “Melroy has applied, we have met them and they submitted some documents and we have given them green light to advertise the event. As soon as they satisfy all the requirements, we will sign a contract,” Kebualemang said. Moreover, Tsietsi said professional boxing was growing rapidly in Botswana as they are expected to sanction about three boxing cards before the end of the year.

The under cards for the night includes a welterweight bout featuring Tshepiso Mokgadi and Alex Thobela of SA. National team hero and 2013 Commonwealth Youth games Bronze medallist Robby Botshelo will be making his debut against SA’s Ramaliba Fhulufhelo in the middleweight division. The other two bouts will feature Bond boxing promotion stars Thato Monabana vs Thabiso Mpolokeng and Tshepo Khutloeng vs Maiketso Moreki. The tickets include corporate at P4000, VIP atP500 and a general ticket P100.Event sponsors include Bokone Reticulation and Electrical Systems (BRES), Extramile Express, La Santé restaurant, Joy foundation and Ayin media flow.