19 May 2022

A World Boxing Federation (WBF) junior lightweight fight is billed for University of Botswana Arena, August 26.

Scud Missile Promotion Boxing Stable director, Thuso Khubamang, on Tuesday announced that the vacant WBF world junior lightweight fight would feature Steven Bagwasi of Botswana and Ridwan Oyekola from Nigeria.

Since this would be the first of its kind in Botswana, the fight’s success could open doors for more, Khubamang said.

Khubamang explained that Bagwasi was nominated by WBF officials in South Africa after an Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN) fight last year. He also noted that the reigning super bantam weight title holder, Moabi Nyaka and the female boxer Aratwa Kesemang would also take on their South Africa opponents on the night, but their opponents were yet to be announced. Khubamang stated that they would expand partnerships with more international bodies, including the World Boxing Federation (WBF), World Boxing Confederation (WBC) and African Boxing Union (A.B.U) to open pathways for Botswana boxers.

He expressed need to keep boxers engaged ahead of international competitions.

He said lack of competitions had affected the national team’s performance at the global stage.

 “Boxing is a series of stressful situations that can only be overcome through hard work and dedication, which together instill confidence and resilience,” Khubamang told boxers.

On other issues, Khubamang called on companies to consider investing in individual boxers such as making them brand ambassadors

Investing in sport was crucial to professionalism, he added.

Khubamang said sponsoring sport would not only benefit associations, but the country at large because such could help attract talent scouts.

Khubamang said with organised or professional setup, Botswana could be considered for hosting major events such as title fights. 

For his part, Bagwasi said he was looking forward to a good start and ready to bring the belt home. ENDS