23 Jul 2021

Botswana’s hunt for an Olympic boxing medal begins tomorrow (Saturday) at the Ryogoku Kogugi Kan indoor sporting arena in the Japanese capital of Tokyo.

Hard hitting local pugilist, Keamogetse Kenosi, fondly known as Sadie in sporting circles, will reach the heritage arena at the Tokyo 2020 Games carrying a huge load of expectations after bringing hope to many by becoming the first Motswana woman boxer to qualify for the flagship summer games.

Kenosi will compete in the women’s feather weight division against an opponent to be announced later today (Friday), after technical pairing of the boxing bouts lined up in the Olympic schedule.

She carries the nation’s hopes in this category and for the first time Botswana would be fielding an entry in the women’s category and vying for the much fancied medal.

Tomorrow Kenosi hopes to at least go past the preliminary round of 32.

Botswana has not claimed any Olympic medal through boxing and once came close to glory in 2008 at the Beijing Games when Khumiso Ikgopoleng was knocked out in the quarter finals.

He had edged out Australia and Morocco in the preceding rounds and just before the finals lost to a Mongolian boxer who claimed gold in that category.

Kenosi will rely on her towering height to keep her guard high and safe against stocky opponents.

Kenosi, a relentless boxer, who is elusive and hard to touch,  carries the nation’s hope in the feather weight division against the tried and tested European and Asian boxers in the mold of Chinese enterprising boxer Lin Yu-ting.

Another medal prospect in the local boxing camp is none other than the hard hitting Rajab Mohammed in the men’s 52kg weight division.

Mohammed will take to the ring on Monday (July 26) in the preliminary round of 32. After an impressive continental success and recent Russia two weeks training camp, Mohammed looks to grab the much sought after medal slot.

He will rely on his fearless nature and aggressiveness, which makes him a serious contender in Tokyo. Mohammed a skillful and exciting boxer is also well-travelled boxer who is aware of stiff competition from his opponents in the division such as Uzbekistan flyweight world champion, Mirazizbek Mirzakhalilov who is eyeing his maiden Olympic title.

Botswana has sent two boxers to Tokyo. Ends