The newly inducted boxers commission is positioning itself as a central platform for athlete representation, communication and advocacy within Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA).
Elected by boxers for the boxers, the commission has vowed to address long standing concerns affecting fighters. Commission member and public relations officer Treasure Moreri said the commission exists to bridge the gap between boxers and administrators, ensuring that decisions taken at executive level do not negatively affect athletes’ careers.
Among the many issues affecting boxers, Moremi identified boxer remuneration, sponsorship support, national team selection criteria and training camp allowances as key areas requiring urgent attention. He noted that it has been over three decades with national team boxers receiving P50.00 per day as allowance in local camp which calls for improvements in how fighters are supported financially.
“Often there is a gap between the people making decisions and the people receiving the punches inside the ring. Individually, a boxer is vulnerable, collectively, we are a force. Most boxers are fully into boxing with no other source of income. Therefore, this platform allows us to work towards boxing being treated as a proper career, as it is in other countries,” he added.
The boxers commission spokesperson further said another immediate priority is to listen to boxers and assess the current state of the sport through what he described as a health check of the boxing landscape. He said the commission will advocate for transparent payment structures so that boxers can clearly understand their earnings and timelines. He said they will also establish direct communication channels to allow fighters to raise concerns without barriers.
To ensure inclusivity, the commission members plan to visit gyms across the country and hold open engagement sessions with boxers in their own environments. Digital platforms, including WhatsApp groups for national boxers, are also being considered to ensure constant and accessible communication.
The formation of the boxers’ commission is backed by the Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA), which says the structure is constitutionally grounded and aligned with international sporting standards.
BoBA president Dirang Thipe said the commission ensures boxers are formally represented in the association’s activities and decision-making processes as the past structures did not work for fighters. “The boxers will be there to voice out concerns which we as elders might not recognise, similar commissions exist within bodies such as the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC), World Boxing and the International Boxing Association (IBA),” Thipe noted.
Over the past weekend the commission held elections to determine its leaders. The fighters will be led by Mmusi Tswiige as chairperson, Lethabo Modukanele will take the role of vice chairperson, the secretary general will be Kobamelo Molatlhegi and Moreri as the spokesperson. Additional members include; Kaone Gaobotlhoko, Gift Modise, Keshrie Israel, Odean Lessau, Bond Ngubula Jnr, Olorato Mokoduwe, Kutlwano Sekhutlo and Thapelo Molatlhe.
