Selebi-Phikwe was alive with energy this past Saturday night as the Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) hosted the much-anticipated Evening of Open Boxing at the EMG BDF Camp Table Tennis Courts. The event, which kicked off at 1800hrs, drew a lively crowd eager to witness top-tier amateur boxing and it certainly delivered.
BoBA’s Publicity Secretary, Kabelo Seleka, described the tournament as a major success, highlighting both its competitive edge and community engagement. “The tournament went very well; it drew strong participation and showcased high competition standards. The atmosphere was vibrant, and the level of organization and community support reflected how far boxing has come in rebuilding its momentum across the country,” he said.
Seventeen clubs from across Botswana participated, with over 40 bouts taking place in cadet, youth, and elite divisions, all free for the public to attend. According to Seleka, the event marks a renewed era of growth for the sport. “We see boxing in Botswana moving toward a more structured and professional era with the introduction of the national boxing league, stronger grassroots programs, and more female participation,” he added. “The long-term vision is to produce more international champions while strengthening governance and athlete welfare.”
The night opened with spirited performances from the cadets. Francistown’s Busiswe Mhete clinched a clean 5–0 victory over Boikanyo Enock, setting the tone for a thrilling evening. The following bouts ended in draws, with Tumiso Petros facing Kabo Tsheko and Calvin Mafela squaring off against Moengele Mogonosi — all showcasing promising young talent.
In the women’s division, the technical skill was undeniable. Gorata Merafe of Police Club outclassed Bridgette Kealeboe (EMG) in a dominant 5–0 win at 52kg, while Keabokeng Phillip (Francistown) delivered another commanding performance against Keabetswe Mokone (Police). Bathusi Setshwantsho of Police was edged out 5–0 by Queen Molefe of Prisons, and Wazel Khumo Soliwa (Francistown) sealed a strong win over Alice Matenge (EMG).
Seleka pointed out that these matchups captured the night’s essence. “There were several exciting bouts, but the elite men’s and women’s divisions stood out for their intensity and technical skill,” he said. “You could really see the difference that consistent sparring and interclub competitions are making in athlete performance.”
In the youth and junior categories, the crowd was treated to non-stop action. Ofentse Emmanuel (Marika) claimed a 5–0 victory over Benni Phatsimo (EMG), while Phomolo Jones (Prison) triumphed over Katso Thekiso (Police). Keaobaka Molapisi (Police) and Lawrence Keitikile (EMG) also secured decisive wins.
Referee stoppages intensified the action, with Tapologo Keborwele (Police) and Tshepo Samson (Francistown) both winning by RSC, highlighting the raw power and precision that defined the evening.
The elite men’s bouts wrapped up the night with grit and flair. Ngubula Bond (1-2-5) stopped Thabang Chakalisa (EMG) via RSC, while Kerapetse Sekgole (EMG) was narrowly beaten 5–0 by Katlego Keorapetse (UB). In a nail-biting 57kg fight, Kgone Kinsile Gaobotlhoko (UB) edged Loukubile Lenson James (Prison) 4–3.
Francistown’s Treasure Nature Moremi dazzled in his 5–0 win against George Motwantwa (Police), and Katlego Davidi (Police) claimed another RSC victory over Kgotso Makala (EMG). Bonang Poroga (Mann) lost narrowly to Lebang Ntwa (Francistown), while Bofelo “Big” Sephekolo of Francistown closed the show with a 5–0 victory over Kagiso Ntoti (EMG) in the 80kg division.
As the final bell rang, Selebi-Phikwe had not only hosted a thrilling evening of sport but also reaffirmed boxing’s growing momentum in Botswana. The Evening of Open Boxing was more than competition, but a showcase of talent, discipline, and the sport’s bright future.
“Events like this are proof that Botswana boxing is on the right path,” Seleka concluded. “From the grassroots to the elite level, we’re building something sustainable and Phikwe showed exactly what that future looks like.”
