MEET ONKARABILE: THE INTERNATIONAL SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMP
He puffed and punched his way through to be the ultimate professional. Throwing jab-after-jab, punch-after-punch and a bombshell of hooks. He wrote history that cannot match any in the Guinness Book of Records. He subsequently became the first-ever professional boxing champion from Botswana, after knocking out his opponent in a fiercely-contested bout to super-stardom. The pugilist, Onkarabile Johnson Mothibedi won the vacant World Boxing Federation (WBF) International Super Bantamweight title on Friday night at the Grand Palm in Gaborone, on the 27th day of November…defeating the much-favoured Tshepang “Gear Box” Babui.
What were your thoughts before the competition starts?
From the onset my thoughts were all about the impending fight, that I am going to fight for tittle and that I need to be prepared and stay as calm as possible.
What were your secret tactics and strategies you used to win the match?
My tactics and strategy were to prolong the fight so that my opponent gets tired, then I went into rage- counter him with punches and changing the stance. It paid off ad I won the match.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
My coaches.
How did you feel after knocking out an opponent and being the first Motswana to win the Title?
After winning this fight I was so happy and it gave me courage to keep pushing hard in Boxing. I am the first Motswana to win this it feels great.
Your career seems back on track. Who is your trusted adviser?
My coaches.
What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your career?
I want to be remembered by this WBF champion Tittle when my career ends and other wins that are yet to come in future.
If you could have one dream fight with anyone, who would it be?
I am one person who believes in me, I could fight any boxer in and outside the country.
What is the biggest challenge did you encounter during preparations for the WBF Title Fight?
One challenge I passed through was that; sometimes I struggle with money for transport to and from the gym, I also had challenges with money to do medicals. It will be great if some company can come on board and sponsor me.
What impact does the win has in your life? Any last words?
My last words, “is that it is still early to tell about the impact it has; I want to thank God for giving me a strength in every step of the way to my win. Secondly, I want to thank everyone who has been there for me, family and friends.”
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