16 May 2019

Memories of the 1974 historic boxing bout in Kinshasa between the hard-punching George Foreman and lightning fast Muhammad Ali are likely to resurface when Botswana’s ferocious boxer, Tshephang ‘Gearbox’, Babui entertains South African enterprising boxer, Tholumusa Ngema, at Boipuso Hall in Gaborone on May 17 afternoon.

Fight for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) junior featherweight title will bring together two exciting boxers, therefore boxing enthusiasts are in for a treat.  

In the Kinshasa heavyweight championship, Ali won by a knock-out, putting Foreman down just before end of the eighth round. 

Ironically, Babui earlier this week vowed to send his opponent tumbling down the canvass before the end of round 12.

Oozing with self-confidence ahead of the titanic clash, the stocky Babui fondly called Gearbox by his legion of fans, said he respected his opponent, but promised to remain with the WBF belt.

He said he had been following Ngema’s exploits on social media and consequently learned a few tricks about him.

Babui started his boxing career in Gaborone West, but later moved out of the amateur ranks. According to the fight’s promoter and trainer, Thuso Khubamang of Scud Missile Promotion, Babui had done well since joining the paying ranks. 

Babui, who was described by his sparring partners, as a keen boxer who was willing to push further in his boxing career, joined the professional ranks in 2015.

He was picked from the amateur ranks by the DTCB boxing stable under the tutelage of former champion Thebe Setlalekgosi. 

Immediately after joining professional boxing, Babui won his first fight against another Motswana professional, Tshepiso Mokgadi. 

Babui boasts of six wins and two draws in his professional career.

The 24-year-old Shoshong born would face another motivated and promising pugilist in the mould of Ngema, fondly called Nfundisi in his native Kwazulu Natal.

Having joined professional boxing a year earlier than his opponent, Ngema has speedy hands and tricky footwork.

The ability to combine the two skills earned him respect amongst his fans back home.

He had been an inspirational story to many young boxers after rising from ashy to classy. Ngema was introduced to boxing by South African legendary boxing coach, Shawn Smith.

Four other South African boxers are lined up to share the ring with the title fight. Mokgadi will face Faraday Mukandla in the welterweight, Tefo Letshikgwane will battle Saul Hlungwana in the junior flyweight, Tshepo Khutloeng takes on Bheki Mahlangu in the junior lightweight while Thabiso Mpolokeng faces Mpumi Mayisela.

The only boxer from DRC Reggie Panderas, will come face to face with Hendrick Motlhane in the lightweight. Ends