19 Jun 2023

Botswana boxers are working round the clock to be in perfect shape ahead of the closely contested Africa Boxing Championships slated for Cameroon next month.

Speaking after bagging a comfortable unanimous decision against Glen Valley Boxing Club’s Botshelo Thomologo over the weekend, 48kg hard hitting pugilist Kobamelo Molatlhegi exuded confidence and promised a great show at the continental matches.

Molatlhegi said he was preparing and planning well for the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) sanctioned tournament and urged fellow boxers to go an extra mile.

The 23-year-old boxer, who was picked into the national team in 2019, has impressed at the Zone IV games and won bronze at the last Africa championships in Mozambique in the last edition of the tournament.

He was stopped by Mozambique in the semi-final.

Another interesting boxer, Phekie Bhele also defeated her opponent Gosaitse Nkepe 3-0 on Saturday.

The 21-year-old boxer from Diamond boxing stable said she was willing to end on the medal table in Yaoundé.  

Bhele scooped bronze in Mozambique after losing to Algeria in the semifinal match.

She said she would improve on her impressive performance at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Women’s world championships in New Delhi recently.

She lost to top seeded Moldova’s Iulia Coroli.

Botswana did exceptionally well in the last edition of the African championship scooping seven medals in the process with Keamogetse Kenosi crowned champion, Aratwa Kasemang scooped silver, Lethabo Modukanele bronze and George Molwantwa lost to South Africa in the final match.

The championship in Cameroon will bring together the best boxers the continent can offer with a record number of countries having confirmed participation.

Meanwhile, Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) hosted the second inter-club tournament at the Glenvalley multipurpose hall.

In the 57kg Thatayaone Lekoba beat Ribben Modise by a split decision.

Enerst Kegolotswe knocked out Thebeyame Kegolotswe in round one.

Arata Dikwai beat Thato Shabaku of EMG, Mmusi Tswiige won on unanimous decision against Atang Kelapile.

In the 91kg bout Monty Chiepe beat Gaamangwe Sekalumi 3-0. Ends