26 Jan 2025

Few boxers turned up for the first ever Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) sanctioned interclub tournament of the year hosted by Diamond boxing club at the Game City mall ground floor terrace on Saturday.

BoBA secretary general Taolo Tlouetsile said the tournament struggled to attract a sizeable number of boxers owing to a number of reasons among them unfitness due to a long break during the festive season.

He said most clubs had shown interest to take part in the year opening tournament, but reported unfitness tests late and could not risk participating and incurring injuries.

The few boxers who pitched up displayed exciting techniques to the delight of a good crowd who had gathered for the outdoor event.

It was a fierce battle in the 49kg division where Kobamelo Molatlhegi narrowly inched past Prisons boxing club’s Ofentse Kelosiwang through a judges split decision.

Molatlhegi looked nervous from the start and allowed his opponent space to throw a few jabs in the opening round. He however kept his guard intact and dealt with the blows excellently.

The enterprising Molatlhegi dusted himself up in the final round and kept Kelosiwang at the end of his hooks and the close points decision from the three of the five judges were waved in his favour.

Francistown based Otsile Mogobye had an easy 4-1 cruise against UB boxing club youngster Boitshoko Chepete in the 51kg class.

Prison’s Samuel Mogolodi got a rude awakening when Keratile Sejeso kept a 5-0 clean sheet against him in the 54kg division.

Sejeso’s teammate Boifang Kenaope repeated the same score line when he inched past Tshephang Madubela of Selebi Phikwe in the 67kg. Referee stopped the contest due to outclass in the 63kg when Gaobonale Gaongalelwe ran out of steam against Thapelo Lekoba of Diamond club.

National ladies bantam weight champion Phekie Bele watched from the ringside as she did not get an opponent for the tournament.

Bele, who last competed in the December national championships, said she was disappointed as lack of ring time ruined her preparations for upcoming regional and continental competitions.  ENDS