ONTLAFETSE PHANE (24) IS THE NEW LION
BY:Kabelo Seleka
There is a new kid on the block, affectionately known as Mayweather in local boxing circles, Ontlafetse Phane is a true lion, he is the new lion,he won his debut comfortably over Moreki Maiketso as a supporting bout in Mothibedi VS Ngaka’s title fight.
Having have joined pro boxing a few months ago, Phane easily dominated the more experienced Maiketso in Friday night’s junior lightweight contestation in all aspects of the science.
If you ask me, I would say he is a lion caged waiting to be unleashed to the world-dominating sport. His hard work, work ethic, professionalism, and his natural talent sets him apart from the rest.
Remember this name; Ontlafetse Phane.
SPORTSNATION’S KABELO SELEKA (KS) CHAT WITH ONTLAFETSE PHANE (OP)
Kabelo Seleka of SPORTSNATION had an exclusive chat with the24 year young lion Ontlafetse Phane concerning his boxing,future and his true phylosophy.
KS:Who is Ontlafetse Phane?
OP:Ontlafetse Phane is the second born of three,a warrior born and bred in the Ghetto but hailing from a humble village named Tobane in the central part of Botswana.
KS:When did you start boxing?
OP:I started boxing in 2012 when I was still doing form two at Goldmine CJSS in Francistown.
KS:How did you join the sport?
OP:I always watched boxing as a sport when growing up and my favourite athlete Floyd Mayweather played so well that I would go out the house and start shadow boxing after watching him fight..
KS:What inspired you to participate in Boxing?
OP:I was inspired by wanting to be the best in everything Iike Mayweather and Herbet Nkabiti.Their attitude in life is what spurred me on because I not only followed their careers but their lifestyles taught me a lot as well..
KS:How many bouts did you have at amateur boxing?
OP:I have about 155amateur fights including those under the BISA(for schools)
KS:When did you decide that you join professional ranks?and why?
OP:I decided to turn pro commencing the year 2021 because I felt boxing is drastically growing in Botswana and as such I will be able to showcase my talent to the world from where I am.
KS:How much winning your debut pro bout,what does it mean to you,your family,friends and coaches?
OP:Winning my first pro debut means a lot in that I do not want to taint my record before any major honors,and it also accords me a chance to put the smiles on my family and friends who have also supported me through out my journey..To my coaches who showed a lot of faith in my abilities it is the only way I can pay them bacj,by applying what they taught me and making them proud..
KS:What was the game plan coming into the debut bout?
OP:Coming into my debut I did not want to put myself under pressure so I thought I should score more points and get my opponent to feel my punches
KS:Can we see you fighting for the title soon?
OP:Only God knows how soon but it is every boxer s dream to challenge for the tittle
KS:Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
OP:In 5years I see Ontlafetse Phane being a force to be reckoned with and hopefully having brought hope and inspiration to the youth out there
KS:What is your ultimate goal in the sport?
OP:To make a name for myself and country and to show the youth out there that all dreams are within reach.
KS: Any last word?
OP:Believe in yourself and believe in God,for as long as we are alive the dream is within reach
