04 Mar 2024

The Perfect Punch Boxing in partnership with Okavango Consortium and VSP Promotions will stage a professional bout at Maun Stadium on March 30.

The highlight of the night dubbed, Rumble in the Okavango will see local boxer Moabi ‘The Eagle’ Ngaka, the WBF African Champion, engaging in a thrilling fight with Philippines boxer, Mark Yap vying for the prestigious WBF International Super Featherweight title.

In attendance will be former American professional boxer, Mike Tyson.

Unveiling the event in Gaborone recently, Larona Francis of the Perfect Punch said other than the bout of the night between Ngaka and Yap, Rumble in the Okavango would feature a number of exciting bouts.

He said VSP, which they had partnered with for the event, was a reputable professional boxing company based in Asia with vast knowledge on promoting professional boxing.

Francis said the stable had brought to the country a team of professionals, who would drill local professional boxers on the necessities of professionalism, which included contracts signing.The fact that VSP promotions would manage to bring Tyson to the country, he said would not only make the event memorable but would also go a long way in promoting the country as a hub of sports tourism.

Chloe Moumakwa, who is part of the Rumble in the Okavango project management team, said the event was also about showcasing the rich cultural heritage and the untapped potential in sports as well as sports tourism.

Moumakwa said those who were party to the event were contributors to a movement that transcended borders and would unite communities as well as place Botswana on the global map.

“As we unveil the vision behind the project, let us remember that it goes beyond the ropes of a boxing ring. It is about fostering unity, promoting cultural exchange and living a lasting legacy for generations to come,” she said.

A representative of Okavango Consortium, Goitseone Mogalakwe-Matikiti was hopeful that the event would not only boost the tourism sector but also live behind lasting memories in the Maun community.

Mogalakwe-Matikiti said the event would also present local boxers with grand opportunities globally.

Nonofo Lebang, African Tourism Board ambassador for Botswana and commissioner of human resource, said the organisation was mandated to promote African Tourism be it cultural, education, leisure and even sport tourism.

Lebang said post COVID-19 most people were overwhelmed by the aftermath of the pandemic, therefore travelling was no longer primarily focused on enjoying the beauty of nature but it was also about healing, connecting and therapy, among others.

She said sport tourism was now at the forefront, as tourists travelled around the globe to enjoy the uniqueness offered by traditional and cultural sport as it encompassed leisure and healing.

“The benefits of such an event were endless. Vendors, hostels, restaurants, transporters will get a share.

Let us make Botswana the home of boxing. Let us turn Botswana into a MICE destination in the tourism sector whereby sport tourism takes the lead, be it dance, football or golf,” she said.

Ngaka said he was excited by the opportunity to fight for an international belt.

He said Rumble in the Okavango was a huge event as it had attracted a lot of attention.

“We have Asian coming to fight our boxers. The legendary Mike Tyson will also be coming through VSP promotions. I will deliver. It’s a huge step in my career as it will sell me to the world,” he said. ENDS