02 Nov 2026

Hard hitting local boxer, Kutlwano Ogaketse has been crowned the new International Boxing Organisation (IBO) all Africa junior welterweight champion. 

Chino, as Ogaketse is fondly called, made history on home soil Friday night at the perfectly illuminated ring at the Protea Hotel rooftop terrace in Gaborone

Ogaketse was crowned champion after a 10-round unanimous decision against KuGompo city boxer, Aphiwe Mboyiya from South Africa.

The high-octane action was initially scheduled to be staged in April but owing to financial hiccups was postponed to May where match promoters hit another snag.

Despite these slight shake ups Ogaketse came through the ropes highly charged and confident of landing resounding victory at the last bell.

On paper, he approached the fight as an underdog having lost five times with just eight victories. 

Four of his five losses were suffered against Mboyiya’s homeboys namely Kaine Fourie, Jeff Magagane, Talent Baloyi and Anthony Moloisane.

Against Mboyiya on the night, Ogaketse faced an unknown enemy who nevertheless boasted an impressive record.

Swagger, as Mboyiya is fondly known, was also looking to revive his professional boxing career after a long absence inside the ring.

Ogaketse made his intentions clear from the first bell. His cleaner counters and defensive work against the taller Mboyiya earned him scores from all the judges.

The visiting boxer pressed forward without connecting cleaner shots as he had desired.

The last four rounds produced furious action with Mboyiya hurt in the process, but recovered well to continue fighting.

It was sweet victory for Ogaketse as the five judges unanimously waved to his favour.

Other interesting supporting bouts were also lined up for the night.

In the Professional Boxing Association of Botswana super lightweight title, Tshiamo Malabola beat Tebogo Senete to scoop the belt.

In the junior middleweight class, spectators were treated to a top tier contest as traditional rivals, Mmusi Tswiige and Kagiso Bagwasi faced off.

A tactical bout with both boxers displaying sharp counter punching skills. 

The bout began cagily with neither fighter willing to commit holding their guard tight.

Tswiige, a slick southpaw, dictated the pace of the contest in the closing rounds but Bagwasi an equally fearsome southpaw stood tall in defence.

They both threw anything on offer much to the delight of a sizeable crowd in attendance until they shared the spoils at the sounding of the last bell.

Tshephang Babui squared up against Boifang Kenaope in the lightweight class.

The former had a much harder evening succumbing to a flurry of straight shots from the first bell.

Referee stopped the scheduled 6 round contest at round 4 because Gearbox as Babui is affectionately called was seemingly outclassed and out of steam. ENDS