Renowned local professional boxer, Moabi ‘The Eagle’ Ngaka has secured a championship title of the Gold Rush National professional boxing tournament, after defeating his opponent Ontlafetse Phane in the 61.2kg category match.
Ngaka, aged 27, knocked out his 30-year-old opponent Phane on the fourth round of their match which was supposed to be an eight rounds bout.
The Gold Rush boxing tournament that was held on the 7th June 2025 at Adansonia Hotel in Francistown brought together eight professional boxers from Botswana and two from Zambia.
In the 53.5kg category four rounds bout the 23-years old Kealeboga Alton defeated 38-years Thapelo Molatlhe while the 23-years old Aobakwe Mphezulu won against 30-years old Tshephang Babui in the 61.2kg category, four rounds bout.
Zambia’s 20-years Joseph Kabwe defeated Botswana’s 27-years old Kutlwano Ogaketse in the 63.5 kg six rounds bout while the 30-years old Steven Bagwasi from Botswana knocked out Zambia’s 23-years old Samson Phiri in 59kg category six rounds bout.
Professional Boxing Association of Botswana (PBAB) President Seroba Binda has told Times Sport the tournament which was hosted by The Perfect Punch was the first in the current year made them achieve their goals of taking pro boxing to all parts of the country.
“We are happy to note that our sports continue to offer employment not only to boxers but everyone taking part in the sports, ring girls, referees, judges, coaches, managers and other, our growth will see many professional boxers being able to survive through sports,” he said.
When expressing his observations on the Gold Rush boxing tournament, Binda stated the bouts/matches were highly contested, they looked 50/50 and produced good fights.
However, Binda lamented that PBAB continue to suffer a huge blow when it comes to financing from BNSC grant which has never been over P100 000. He added that lack of sponsorships /funds hinders a lot of progress to their boxers both locally and internationally.
“The more boxers fight is the more they get opportunities to compete for international belts which means big money,” he said.
Binda revealed that they have introduced five local belts to try motivating their boxers. He applauded the private companies that continue to sponsor their promoters in organising their tournament.
Meanwhile, Botswana Boxing Association (BOBA) will host the Inter Club Tournament on the 14th June 2025 in Gaborone. The objective of the tournament is to prepare athletes for the upcoming major events and all the BOBA affiliates are expected to participate.
