THE country of BOTSWANA had made a gigantic strides to pro-boxing as a result of the historic visit by the President of IBF/AFRICA, Onesmo Ngowi in that country in April this year. The official IBF/AFRICA President’s visit in Botswana from April 1-6 2013 has helped to encourage the number of experienced amateur boxers to join professional boxing ranks and the first such tournament is slated for October 5, 2013.
Mr. Bond Ngubula a.k.a 007 who is the Managing Director and owner of Bond Boxing Promotions, declared that the whole of Botswana is looking toward this historic first tournament as a launching pad for many more tournaments to come.
“We were so excited and thankful to your historic visit to Botswana in April this year and now we look forward to a successful tournament in October” said Mr. Nguluba to the IBF/AFRICA President Onesmo Ngowi.
Botswana is endowed with great wealth in terms of minerals (diamond, gold and uranium) and exports of meat to Europe, Asia and USA. It has great amateur boxing foundation as most of her boxers perform well in various international meets hence the great potential funneling pro-boxing.
Under its pet project of “IBF Sports Tourism”, the IBF/AFRICA has projected Botswana as the strong foundation for future boxing tournaments given its strong amateur boxing foundation, vibrant economy and good governance.
“These are the three important ingredients of boxing development so we can see positive signs ahead” echoed the IBF/AFRICA President, Onesmo Ngowi who was a professional boxer in the 80s (see the attached black & white photo showing Ngowi left pummeling an opponent) when responding to the writer’s question on how he see the Botswana’s direction in pro-boxing.
Ngowi illustrated that Botswana’s “economy and good governance” are key towards sustainable boxing development. “You need to build up a strong foundation for “Sports Tourism” and many developing countries fail to succeed due to their poor economies. When you have GDP Per Capita Income in the region of US$ 3000 then you can afford to pay $ 200 – $ 500 to see boxing events”. he emphasized.
Also, the IBF/AFRICA’s President alluded that lack of “TV and Corporate Sponsorship” may be another contributing factor for poor showing of Africa in the boxing industry. “Our TV Networks want promoters to pay them when showing their boxing tournaments instead of them TV paying for the boxing broadcasting”continued Ngowi.
The Botswana’s October 5, 2013 tournament is coming at a time when the county is setting up boxing board of control. Preparations are at the advanced stage to unveil the first ever professional boxing board in that country.
Several experienced amateur boxers have lined up for this major historic tournament where Moabi Mothiba (Botswana) will meet Nicola Mutonhora from Zimbabwe. Kgomotso Box from Botswana will fight Onkabetse Mukoodi also from Botswana.
Other boxing bouts will pair Boitumelo Taolo v. Teso Letsikgwane, Kebonethebe Ramaboana v. Thato Monabana, Gomotsang Gaasitse v. Last Magare, Teboho Kagiso v. Mmoloki Nogeng respectively. Nothing else like IBF/AFRICA as it advances the African interests to the Global professional boxing fraternity”
They Call it AFRICA…..! We Call it HOME.