Scud Missile Promotions is preparing to host one of the biggest boxing tournaments ever staged in the country. The event is sanctioned by International Boxing Organization (IBO). The highly anticipated boxing extravaganza will take place on May 26 at the prestigious Grand Palm Hotel in Gaborone. It will bring together top boxing talent from Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Scud Missile Promotions director Thuso Khubamang described the event as a major milestone for Botswana’s sporting industry.
He said it is rare for African countries to host an event of this calibre. As such, the code is honoured to receive recognition to stage such a prestigious tournament. Khubamang further noted that South Africa hosted the event last year where Botswana’s own Kagiso Bagwasi captured the junior middleweight championship.
This year local fans will rally behind Kutlwano Ogaketse as he fights on home soil for the vacant IBO Africa Junior Welterweight title. “This is the highest profile boxing event to ever be hosted in Botswana. Boxing should be taken seriously just like other sports because we have highly talented athletes. Due to limited funding, we have not been able to host many tournaments of this magnitude, but we have hungry and ambitious fighters who are ready to showcase their fitness, discipline and skill,” Khubamang added.
The promoter revealed that preparations for the tournament are progressing well, with ticket sales already gaining momentum.
“This mega event is expected to attract a huge crowd. Ticket sales are moving very well and we are expecting an electrifying atmosphere on fight night. The championship belt has already arrived from the United States of America. This is the same prestigious belt that has been won by legendary fighters such as Floyd Mayweather Jr., which tells you just how massive this event is,” he said.
Local boxing sensation Ogaketse, who will headline the main event against South Africa (SA) national champion Aphiwe Mboyiya, expressed confidence ahead of the career defining bout.
“I am thankful for this opportunity. It means a lot to be making history. I am proud to represent Botswana and I am coming to leave my mark, Batswana are really looking forward to this fight. Big moments always come with pressure, but it depends on how you handle it,” he said.
Ogaketse further highlighted the importance of the tournament for the growth of boxing in Botswana. It shows that Botswana boxing is growing and that we belong in these conversations. Offering advice to aspiring fighters, the confident boxer encouraged young athletes to remain focused and disciplined.
