20 Mar 2016

A bout between Gillian Ditshwene of Prisons and Onkarabile Mothibedi of DTCB left spectators asking for more following a breathtaking bout at the inter club tournament at Glen Valley on Saturday.

Although it was clear that Mothibedi was more experienced than his opponent, he was shown no respect in the ring, as Gillian attacked him although he failed to hit where it most mattered to score points.

While on the other hand Mothibedi’s left, left jab and right hooks worked for him, more especially in the final round. 

By the look of things, Gillian was more powerful in the first and second round, and probably his opponent saved the best for last.

In the third round, Mothibedi  came with guns blazing, left upper cut and cross left was enough for him to win the bout with a margin of 3-0.

After the bout, Gillian said he thought he had done everything to win the bout, but would continue to work hard and  ultimately win against Mothibedi.

He said he would have to sharpen his moving and defence techniques. “This is not the first time he wins against me, it’s a wakeup call, it means I am not doing something right, but when we meet next time he must expect a good challenge, he said.

Mothibedi said he enjoyed the bout and knew what to expect from his opponent because it was not their first engagement.

He said Gillian was more powerful in the first and second round, but it was his plan to come strong in the last round because he could see his opponent was already tired to handle his upper cuts in the last round, hence he capitalised on that.

In other bouts in the 49kg category, Omogolo Botshelong of Prisons managed to win the bout 3-0 against Tswelelo Modikwa Tswelelo of GVBC.

In the 69kg category, Mmusi Tswiige of Prisons beat Tlotlo Motswakgomo of Mafika 3-0, Kefentse Molalapata of the University of Botswana taught Ronald Motswakae of SSKB a boxing lesson when he clobbered him 3-0, and Tirafalo Seoko of BMC easily outclassed Mmoloki Thipe of Ghanzi 3-0 in the 60kg category.

Botswana Boxing Association public relations officer, Kenny Maragana said the interclub tournament went well and they were happy about the turn up of boxers.

He said 28 bouts were registered and that alone was a success, adding that they were also happy that in the absence of veteran boxers who were competing at the Olympic qualifiers, the youngsters proved their mettle.

“Most of the boxers are from our youth side, they took part in the Botswana Games, and this is a clear indication that once their elders hang their gloves, we will have these youngsters to keep the candle burning,” he said.

Maragana said the interclub tournament winners have booked themselves a ticket to compete at the national championship to be slated at the end of the year, and that those who impress at the national championship might also be included in the national team.

He, however, said they were worried that the interclub tournament did not have a women category due to lack of sparring partners, he pleaded with all stakeholders to encourage women to consider taking part in boxing as that could contribute to the growth of boxing. Ends