WBF Advisory Board member Francois “The White Buffalo” Botha is one helluva character. He is also a good friend of mine, and often I refer to him as my baby brother such is our relationship. The “White Buffalo” has officially been retired for a few years now, and will never seriously return to the ring.
Francois has had his time of glory, winning a world heavyweight title and sharing the ring with greats such as Wladimir Klitschko, Evander Holyfield, Mike Tyson, Michael Moorer, Shannon Briggs and Lennox Lewis to mention but a few.
But nothing nor time can stop his enthusiasm for boxing, and he once again gets into the ring on March 31 simply for an exhibition charity fight against Uwe Hueck from Germany in a rematch of their first charity fight in Ludwigsburg in November 2015.
Francois loves his fans, adores the limelight but more importantly focuses on giving back to the sport that took him to the top of the world. He speaks and preaches about the growth of the WBF and is proud, no – extremely proud of his important role within the star-struck WBF Advisory Board.
So it was quite amusing to read on social media after Francois’s entertaining post warning Uwe about the upcoming fight, that some of Francois’s many fans around the world were upset that he is still fighting and that its time for him to retire.
Here’s the truth: The “White Buffalo” has retired! He will not fight again in a serious fight. No more titles and no more contenders. But while having retired from fighting, he has not retired from boxing. A few charity fights here and there, but more important Francois wants to give back and groom young fighters into champions.
The former WBF World heavyweight champion Francois Botha is the type of character boxing needs. Never boring, always unpredictable, great sense of humor, hugely entertaining – and one of my best friends. It will be my pleasure to be the guest referee for this charity fight and I hope that Francois and Uwe enjoy their time again in the ring.
Until next time, keep boxing.
Howard Goldberg
PRESIDENT: World Boxing Federation
