Onkarabile “Scara” Mothibedi became the first ever professional boxing champion from Botswana, when he won the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) International Super Bantamweight title on Friday night, November 27.
At the Grand Palm in Gaborone, Mothibedi defeated compatriot Tshepang “Gear Box” Babui by unanimous decision after twelve hard-fought and entertaining rounds.
Both boxers were ready to go toe-to-toe from the first bell, and both had their moments where they appeared to be taking over, but in the end Mothibedi had done more and deserved the victory.
Judges David Nyathi, Edwin Kkgedi and Lesego Tladi all scored the fight in his favour: 115-113, 116-112, 117-111 respectively.
Having made local boxing history, Mothibedi improved his professional record to 6-2 (1), while Babui, losing his second shot at this title after coming up short against South African Tholomusa Ngema last year, drops to 7-4-2 (4).
The fight was promoted by Scud Missile Promotions, and televised live by Botswana Television (BTV).
