17 Mar 2025

The epic Best of the Best Boxing Championship hosted by Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) on Sunday lived up to expectations despite some competitors failing to show up.

All the bouts went to the cards, without any knock out as they all relied on judges’ scores. The bout between Kobamelo Molatlhegi of DTCB and Ofentse Kelosiwang in the minimum weight (46-48kg) category, sets tone for the championship with Molatlhegi emerging victorious with a 4-1 score.

Another exciting bout was in the Bantam Weight (51-54kg) category between Katlego Keorapetse of Tsholofelo and Bond Ngubula (Junior) of 1-2-5, which Keorapetse won 3-2.  Despite throwing a combination of punches giving his opponent no breathing space, the verdict proved that Ngubula was just throwing punches without the much-needed power to earn enough points.

The women’s feather weight (54-57kg) category saw the experience of Phekie Bele coming to play as she defeated Chedza Montse 5-0. A light welter weight (63-67kg) category bout between Odean Lesao of 1-2-5 and Tebogo Rennie of Diamond Boxing Club was one of the highly charged bouts, a display of experience and youthful exuberance.

The fight kept the spectators on their feet with both boxers exchanging non-stop punches much to the excitement of the crowd. It was a closely contested bout, which saw Lesao winning 3-2.

Even though disappointed with the result and not happy with the judges’ decision, Rennie has however indicated that he gave it all as he had prepared well for the final. He said the result would never deter him as he was determined to continue working hard and improve his fitness level and skill.

Lesao equally believed that the bout was a close contest and difficult to tell the winner.  He said the win was a morale boost and was determined to continue working hard.

“I am looking forward to joining the national team in future and bringing glory to the nation,” he said.

One of the bouts, which was anticipated to excite the crowd was in the featherweight (54-57kg), which did not take place as Ramo Ditlhopho of Thebephatshwa did not show up after missing the mandatory weight taking done in the morning of the finals. Therefore George Molwantwa of Police was announced winner by walkover.

An equally charged and closely contested bout was expected in the women lightweight (57-60kg) weight category between Keobakeng Phillip of Francistown and Letlhogonolo Makoba of SSKB. However, Phillip won by a walk over since Makoba did not show up.

The best of the best championship was dominated by 1-2-5 Boxing Club with four gold and a silver, Francistown Boxing Club followed with three gold, two silver and a bronze while Diamond Boxing Club came third with two gold, two silver and a bronze. ENDS