By Darren S. Barcomb: Heavyweight Boxer Francois Botha (47-5-3, 28 KO’s), was all set to step into the ring with English Heavyweight Tyson Fury (13-0, 9KO’s) on February 19th, 2011 at the Wembley Arena in London. The South African born Botha had been intended to provide a much needed test for the up- and- coming 22 year old Fury. Unfortunately for Botha, the British Boxing Board of Control refused to allow the fight, leaving Marcelo Luiz Nascimento (13-0, 11 KO’s) as the replacement.
The 42 year old Botha last fought in April of 2010, dropping the WBF Heavyweight Championship to Evander Holyfield at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. In that fight, Botha suffered a TKO by the “Real Deal” in the 8th Round in a battle that had him leading on two of the judge’s scorecards entering the round.
Since 2007, Botha is 3-1-1 in a span that saw him claim the lightly regarded WBF Heavyweight Belt. Botha’s other career losses came at the hands of marquee heavyweight’s Wladimir Klitschko, Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, and Michael Moorer.
Botha, who has also competed in several kickboxing and one MMA match, is left to ponder his next move. The best bet though is that the White Buffalo is not yet ready to be sent to pasture. As was the case with Fury, promoters know that Botha can give big-name experience to unproven fighters and will most likely serve as a test for another top prospect in the near future.
At 250 pounds for the Holyfield fight, Botha was slightly slimmed down from his three fights in 2009. If he continues to keep that weight under control, he should be able to keep fighting competitively for the next few years. As shown by his willingness to step up to Fury, Botha showed that he backs down from no one and will take any fight, anywhere. Although his days of being a contender may be long gone, he can still serve as a hefty roadblock for the Tyson Fury’s of the World. Maybe the British Boxing Board didn’t want to see their new sensation dropped just yet, especially by a 42 year old-past his prime-journeyman. Although I personally believe Botha would lose a matchup with Fury, I believe it would go to the judge’s score cards. As Fury continues to be hyped, perhaps a savvy veteran like Botha presented too many unknown variables and was not the wise fight.
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