On 1 August this year, our former world heavyweight champion, Francois ‘The White Buffalo’ Botha did what too few boxers do – that is to give back to the sport.
Botha, although still very much involved with fighting and hoping to soon win back his WBFed world heavyweight title, acted in a new capacity as a promoter putting on his very first show in the small black township of Lwandle, approximately 50 miles outside Cape Town. Botha staged his show without sponsors and without television but wanted to give the fight starved fans in Lwandle the opportunity of seeing championship boxing.
In my career in boxing, I have been all over the world, been involved with some of the greatest fighters ever, visited exotic destinations, but I have also been to nursery shows in some of the most poverty stricken townships in the world. One common factor remains constant – that of the passion of the boxing supporter.
Certainly charisma draws the crowd and it was not surprising that ‘The White Buffalo’ filled his hall to capacity in a show which produced some exceptional fights. The main fight of the afternoon show the rugged Roland Francis and Congolese Alex Mabaya going toe to toe for ten rounds in a WBFed All Africa cruiserweight title.
A big congratulations to Francois Botha and his White Buffalo Promotions team for a fantastic job. The show lifted the township into an African atmosphere of dance and vibe, of course one should not forget the famous Vuvuzelas which were blown nonstop during the show.
The World Boxing Federation continues to move rapidly with more and more championship fights taking place, and many more scheduled for the next few months. The doors have opened in Mexico, and this has been followed by Korea, China and Colombia.
A word of congratulations to our new Executive Director, Olaf Schroder from Germany who continues to ensure that the administrative side of our organization runs smoothly.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
