News

One of the University of Botswana’s (UB) formidable boxers, Katego Keorapetse, recently delivered a stellar performance at the 2025 Botswana Boxing Association (BOBA) Best of Best Tournament, clinching the Bantamweight Gold Medal as well as the prestigious Best Boxer of the Tournament (Men) award. The elite competition, held on March 15 at Molapo Piazza, featured Botswana’s top-ranked boxers battling for supremacy.

The Best of Best Tournament is a high-calibre event that pits the top four ranked fighters in each weight category against one another to ensure intense matchups. Keorapetse emerged victorious in the bantamweight division, defeating Bond Ngubula Jnr of 1-2-5 Boxing Club in a closely contested final by a 3-2 decision. His electrifying bout against Ngubula Jnr was also recognised as the Best Male Bout of the Tournament.

Before reaching the final, Keorapetse displayed his dominance in the semifinal round, securing a commanding 5-0 victory over Katlo Kgowe of Prisons Boxing Club. His skill, precision and resilience throughout the tournament earned him the title of 2025 Best of Best Bantamweight Champion.

UB Boxing Club’s success did not end with Keorapetse. Letlhogonolo Makgolela, a 2025 AFBC Zone IV Championship bronze medalist, claimed a silver medal in the 60kg weight category. After a hard-fought semifinal win over Thato Shabaku of EMG Boxing Club (3-2 decision), Makgolela fell short in the final against Kago Raokgwathile of 1-2-5 Boxing Club.

Three more UB Boxing Club athletes also secured bronze medals including Tshepang Nkagisang (51kg), Kaone Gaobotlhoko (57kg) and Karabo Motshwarakgole (63.5kg). Their podium finishes further cemented UB Boxing Club’s position as a powerhouse in the national boxing scene.

Meanwhile, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, Lethabo Modukanele was set to make her highly anticipated return to competition. However, her comeback was delayed due to last-minute technicalities, ruling her out of the tournament.