Francois Botha, known as “The White Buffalo,” is a former South African professional boxer who competed in the heavyweight division. He was born on September 28, 1968, in Witbank, South Africa. Botha began his boxing career in 1989 and quickly made a name for himself in the boxing world.
During his career, Botha fought against some of the greatest boxers of all time, including Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Wladimir Klitschko, and Michael Moorer. He was known for his toughness and durability, as well as his distinctive white goatee.
One of Botha’s most memorable fights was against Mike Tyson in January 1999. The fight was controversial due to Tyson’s pre-fight comments about wanting to eat Botha’s children. Tyson knocked Botha down in the first round, but Botha managed to get back up. Tyson went on to knock Botha down agan in the fifth round and win the fight by knockout.
Botha retired from boxing in 2014 with a record of 48 wins (29 by knockout), 8 losses, and 3 draws. He is now based in Durban, South Africa, and remains involved in the boxing world as a trainer and promoter.
In addition to his boxing career, Botha has also dabbled in other sports. He played rugby union for the South African team Blue Bulls in the late 1980s and early 1990s, and he competed in mixed martial arts in 2013.
Francois Botha was a skilled and formidable boxer who competed at the highest levels of the sport. His toughness and durability made him a fan favorite, and his memorable fights against some of the greatest boxers of all time cemented his place in boxing history.
Where Is Francois Botha Now?
Francois Botha, the former South African professional boxer, is currently based in Durban, South Africa. Although he gained recognition for his fighting skills and his distinctive white goatee during his time in the US, he has since returned to his home country. Botha has retired from boxing and is not currently involved in any significant public activities or events.
Mike Tyson’s Victory Over Francois Botha
In a boxing match held on January 16, 1999, Mike Tyson emerged as the winner against Francois Botha. The match ended in a knockout victory for Tyson when referee Richard Steele stopped the fight at 2:59 in the fifth round. Botha attempted to get up twice but was unable to continue, leading to Tyson being awarded the victory.
Tyson’s Age When He Fought Botha
Mike Tyson was 32 years old when he fought against Francois Botha. The fight ended in the fifth round when Tyson knocked Botha down, and the referee stopped the fight, giving Tyson the knockout victory.
The Best Boxer in South Africa
South Africa has produced many talented boxers over the years, but it is difficult to single out the best one as it is subjective and depends on personal opinions. However, there are a few names that are commonly mentioned when discussing the best boxers from South Africa. Phillip N’dou is one such name, having held the featherweight championship. Another notable name in the world of boxing is Bogani Mahlangu, who was the super bantamweight champion. Owethu Mbira is also a name to remember, as he won the lightweight championship in 2007 at the All-Africa games. Zolani Tete and Ladumo Lamati are also boxers who have made a name for themselves in recent years. Kevin Lerena, who is currently the IBO Cruiser champion since 2017, and Thabiso Mchunu, who held the Cruiserweight championship in 2016, are also worth mentioning. Ultimately, the best boxer in South Africa is a matter of individual opinion, and one could make a case for any of these talented athletes.
Conclusion
Francois Botha is a former professional boxer from South Africa who made a name for himself in the heavyweight division during the 1990s and early 2000s. He faced off against some of the biggest names in boxing, including Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Evander Holyfield, Wladimir Klitschko, and Michael Moorer. Despite the many challenges he faced in the ring, Botha’s career was marked by his resilience, determination, and skill as a fighter. Today, he is based in Durban and remains an important figure in the world of boxing, inspiring a new generation of aspiring fighters to follow in his footsteps. Francois Botha’s legacy as a top-level heavyweight boxer will continue to be celebrated and remembered for years to come.
