Francois Botha

Last updated

Francois Botha
Parker v Botha.jpg
Botha (right) vs. Parker, 2013
BornFrancois Johannes Botha
(1968-09-28) 28 September 1968 (age 56)
Witbank, South Africa
NicknameThe White Buffalo
Height1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Division
Reach188 cm (74 in)
Style Boxing
Stance Orthodox
TeamVallentuna Boxing Camp
Trainer
  • Mats Söderström
  • Po Lindwall
Years active
  • 1990–2014 (boxing)
  • 2003–2015 (kickboxing)
  • 2004 (MMA)
Professional boxing record
Total63
Wins48
By knockout29
Losses11
By knockout9
Draws3
No contests1
Kickboxing record
Total17
Wins4
By knockout3
Losses13
By knockout1
Mixed martial arts record
Total1
Wins0
Losses1
By submission1
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Francois "Frans" Botha (born 28 September 1968) is a South African former professional boxer and kickboxer. He competed in boxing from 1990 to 2014, and is perhaps best known for winning the IBF heavyweight title against Axel Schulz in 1995, but was later stripped after failing a drug test. He later challenged twice for world heavyweight titles in 2000 and 2002. Botha has competed against former Heavyweight Champions Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Michael Moorer and Evander Holyfield late in their respective careers. Botha competed once in mixed martial arts in 2004.

Contents

Boxing career

Early career

Botha had a victory in 1995 against Germany's Axel Schulz to win the IBF heavyweight Championship, but later tested positive for the steroid nandrolone [1] he and his camp claimed to be prescribed by a doctor for an arm injury. The result of the fight was then changed to a "No Contest" and the IBF do not recognize Botha as former champion

In 1996 "The White Buffalo" bounced back with a courageous effort with Michael Moorer for the IBF crown on the undercard of Mike Tyson's first contest with Evander Holyfield. Moorer suffered a TKO in the twelfth round. This eventually led to fights with Mike Tyson, Shannon Briggs, and heavyweight title showdowns with Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. Botha came up on the short end via knockout in both of those encounters for the heavyweight title.

Four months after the Klitschko fight, Botha fought contender Clifford Etienne, and knocked him down twice, but was denied a victory and received a majority draw with two judges scoring it 94–94 and one judge scoring it 95–93 in favor of Botha. This was in Etienne's hometown.

Comeback

In July 2007, Botha returned to boxing with a unanimous decision victory over Bob Mirovic in a fight held in South Africa. Botha dominated the fight with two judges holding Botha won all twelve rounds and one judge ruling he won ten of twelve. The bout was for the interim WBF World Heavyweight title.

On 6 February 2009, Botha beat Ron "Rocky" Guerrero by unanimous decision for the vacant WBF heavyweight title in South Africa. He successfully defended his WBF title against Timo Hoffmann on 15 May 2009 in Germany, winning the fight by split decision.

Botha was scheduled to box Joey Abell on 27 March 2010 (postponed from the earlier date of 16 January 2010) at the Uganda Nelson Mandela Memorial Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. [2] [3] [4] On 10 January, the World Boxing Foundation executive has decided to vacate the WBF World Heavyweight Title due to Botha not defending within the agreed time limit.

On 10 April 2010 Botha lost via knockout in the 8th round to Evander Holyfield at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Holyfield won the WBF heavyweight title for his victory.

Since then, Botha has won against former undefeated South African prospect Flo Simba. He then fought Michael Grant for the vacant WBF heavyweight title and was leading on the scorecards when he was knocked out with a long right hand from Grant with seconds remaining in the contest. [5] Two fights later, Botha fought Francesco Pianeta, who was undefeated in 29 fights, losing the 10 round bout on points.

He was due to fight New Zealand dual-international Sonny Bill Williams in Brisbane on 24 November 2012. However, the fight was cancelled and moved to February. Finally the Williams fight did take place in Brisbane. However, only 10 out of a publicised 12 rounds were fought. Bout judges awarded the fight to the New Zealand Champion on points. Since that night in Brisbane there has been a lot of talk in the media, ranging from a failed drugs test, to no drugs testing at all, no WBA official present at the bout, and one fight judge stated that the first he heard about the fight being 10 rounds was from the arena announcer. However, despite all the media speculation, the WBA has confirmed that the fight was legitimate and Williams the recognised International heavyweight title-holder. [6]

Kickboxing and mixed martial arts career

From 2003 to 2006 Botha participated several times in the kickboxing combat sport, K-1. His current K-1 record is 4-11, with two wins coming against K-1/Kickboxing legends Jérôme Le Banner and Peter Aerts. Botha's final K-1 match was a three-round decision loss to Jorgen Kruth on 20 May 2006 in a K-1 superfight in Stockholm, Sweden.

Botha also had one mixed martial arts fight. On 31 December 2004 he lost to Yoshihiro Akiyama via an armbar submission in the first round.

On 14 October, Botha beat Espedito Da Silva by KO at K-1 Rules Africa Bomba-Yaa 2006.

Botha made a return to kickboxing in 2008. On 30 March 2008, Botha defeated muay thai kickboxer Kaoklai Kaennorsing at The KHAN in Seoul, Korea by decision. He lost to French kickboxer "Le Gentleman" Gregory Tony at WFC 6 on 27 September 2008 in Bulgaria.

Professional boxing record

63 fights48 wins11 losses
By knockout299
By decision192
Draws3
No contests1
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
63Loss48–11–3 (1) Andrzej Wawrzyk TKO5 (10), 1:5615 Mar 2014Hotel Arłamów, Arłamów, PolandFor vacant Poland International heavyweight title
62Loss48–10–3 (1) Joseph Parker TKO2 (8), 2:3213 Jun 2013 The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
61Loss48–9–3 (1) Sonny Bill Williams UD108 Feb 2013 Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, AustraliaFor vacant WBA International heavyweight title
60Loss48–8–3 (1) Francesco Pianeta UD107 Sep 2012RWE Rhein-Ruhr Sporthalle, Mülheim, Germany
59Loss48–7–3 (1) Carlos Takam TKO11 (12)31 Mar 2012Gymnase Jean Richepin, Noisy-le-Grand, FranceFor WBO Africa and vacant WBF (Federation) International heavyweight titles
58Loss48–6–3 (1) Michael Grant KO12 (12), 2:2319 Nov 2011 Montecasino, Johannesburg, South AfricaFor WBF (Federation) heavyweight title
57Win48–5–3 (1)Flo SimbaTKO6 (10), 2:504 Jun 2011Emperor's Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa
56Loss47–5–3 (1) Evander Holyfield TKO8 (12), 0:5510 Apr 2010 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, USFor vacant WBF (Federation) heavyweight title
55Draw47–4–3 (1) Pedro Carrión MD1224 Oct 2009 Anhalt Arena, Dessau, GermanyFor vacant WBF (Federation) heavyweight title
54Win47–4–2 (1) Timo Hoffmann SD1215 May 2009 Bördelandhalle, Magdeburg, GermanyRetained WBF (Foundation) heavyweight title
53Win46–4–2 (1) Ron Guerrero UD126 Feb 2009Tlokwe Banquet Hall, Potchefstroom, South AfricaWon vacant WBF (Foundation) heavyweight title
52Win45–4–2 (1) Bob Mirovic UD126 Jul 2007Carousel Casino, Hammanskraal, South AfricaWon vacant WBF (Foundation) interim heavyweight title
51Draw44–4–2 (1) Clifford Etienne MD1027 Jul 2002 New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
50Loss44–4–1 (1) Wladimir Klitschko TKO8 (12), 0:4716 Mar 2002Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, GermanyFor WBO heavyweight title
49Win44–3–1 (1)Russell ChasteenTKO3 (10), 1:3613 Jul 2001 Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, Rancho Mirage, California, US
48Win43–3–1 (1) David Bostice UD105 Jun 2001 Fremont Street Experience, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
47Win42–3–1 (1)Joey GuyKO1 (10), 2:4016 Mar 2001 The Orleans, Paradise, Nevada, US
46Win41–3–1 (1)Tony LaRosaTKO1 (10), 2:562 Nov 2000 Washington, D.C., US
45Loss40–3–1 (1) Lennox Lewis TKO2 (12), 2:39 15 Jul 2000 London Arena, London, EnglandFor WBC, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles
44Win40–2–1 (1)Steve PannellTKO1 (10), 2:088 Jan 2000 University Arena, Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
43Draw39–2–1 (1) Shannon Briggs MD107 Aug 1999 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
42Loss39–2 (1) Mike Tyson KO5 (10), 2:59 16 Jan 1999 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
41Win39–1 (1)David CherryTKO1 (10), 2:3826 Jun 1998Boone County Fairgrounds, Kansas City, Missouri, US
40Win38–1 (1)Stan JohnsonKO1 (10), 0:2724 Apr 1998County Fairgrounds, Dubuque, Iowa, US
39Win37–1 (1)Lee GilbertUD1221 Jun 1997 USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, USRetained WBA–NABA heavyweight title
38Win36–1 (1)James StantonKO10 (12), 3:0010 May 1997 Convention Center, Coconut Grove, Florida, USWon vacant WBA–NABA heavyweight title
37Loss35–1 (1) Michael Moorer TKO12 (12), 1:18 9 Nov 1996 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USFor IBF heavyweight title
36NC35–0 (1) Axel Schulz SD129 Dec 1995 Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, GermanyVacant IBF heavyweight title at stake;
Originally SD win for Botha, later ruled NC after he failed a drug test
35Win35–0Willie JakeUD8 8 Apr 1995 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, US
34Win34–0Brian SargentTKO1 (10)17 Mar 1995 Memorial Auditorium, Worcester, Massachusetts, US
33Win33–0Bill CorriganTKO1 (10), 0:417 Mar 1995War Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US
32Win32–0Ken LakustaKO1 (10)17 Dec 1994 Coliseo General Rumiñahui, Quito, Ecuador
31Win31–0Phil ScottRTD6 (10), 3:002 Jul 1994 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, US
30Win30–0Martin FosterTKO1 (10), 1:3721 May 1994 Kings Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
29Win29–0 Craig Payne RTD7 (10)30 Oct 1993Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
28Win28–0John MortonTKO3 (10)1 Oct 1993ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, US
27Win27–0Ron GoodwinKO4 (10)25 Jun 1993 Phoenix, Arizona, US
26Win26–0Calvin JonesTKO2 (10)15 Jun 1993 Denison, Texas, US
25Win25–0Billy WrightTKO5 (8), 2:3316 Jan 1993 Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, US
24Win24–0Artie HooksKO1 (8)19 Nov 1992Days Inn South, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
23Win23–0Mike JonesKO1 (8)19 Nov 1992Days Inn South, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
22Win22–0Russell RiersonKO1 (8)19 Nov 1992Days Inn South, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
21Win21–0Jimmy BillsUD87 Oct 1992Amarillo, Texas, US
20Win20–0Russell RiersonKO5 (8)29 Sep 1992Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
19Win19–0 Mike Hunter MD822 Sep 1992 County Coliseum, El Paso, Texas, US
18Win18–0David MartinKO3 (8)18 Jul 1992Civic Assembly Center, Muskogee, Oklahoma, US
17Win17–0Ken JacksonUD84 Jul 1992Dallas, Texas, US
16Win16–0Ron AckersonKO3 (8)12 Jun 1992Central Plaza Hotel, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
15Win15–0 Marion Wilson PTS829 May 1992 Amarillo, Texas, US
14Win14–0Ron AckersonKO3 (8)7 May 1992 Westin Hotel, Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
13Win13–0Tim TomashekPTS1015 Nov 1991 ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, US
12Win12–0Ginger TshabalalaSD630 Sep 1991Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
11Win11–0Siza MakathiniSD1018 Aug 1991Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South AfricaWon Transvaal heavyweight title
10Win10–0Shaun AyersUD1030 Jun 1991 Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
9Win9–0Rick RiceKO3 (8)18 Feb 1991 Voortrekkerhoogte, Pretoria, South Africa
8Win8–0Gideon HlongwaPTS627 Jan 1991 Good Hope Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
7Win7–0Leander CollinsKO2 (8)22 Sep 1990International Convention Center, Brownsville, Texas, US
6Win6–0Andre SmileyKO2 (8)11 Sep 1990Central Plaza Hotel, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
5Win5–0Kevin DensonPTS625 Aug 1990 Civic Center, Lewiston, Maine, US
4Win4–0Elvis FranksUD423 Jun 1990 Dallas, Texas, US
3Win3–0Joe AdamsUD427 Apr 1990Point Cadet Plaza, Biloxi, Mississippi, US
2Win2–0Themba MsweliPTS49 Apr 1990 University Arena, Pretoria, South Africa
1Win1–0Johan Van ZylKO1 (4)11 Feb 1990Portuguese Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa

Kickboxing record

4 Wins, 12 Losses
DateResultOpponentEventMethodRoundTime
21 November 2015Loss Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg Asihati Kunlun Fight 34, Shenzhen, China [7] Decision33:00
27 September 2008Loss Flag of France.svg Gregory Tony WFC 6, Sofia, BulgariaDecision33:00
30 March 2008Win Flag of Thailand.svg Kaoklai Kaennorsing The Khan 1, Seoul, KoreaDecision33:00
14 October 2006Win Flag of Brazil.svg Espedito Da SilvaK-1 Rules Africa Bomba-Yaa 2006KO (strikes)2N/A
20 May 2006Loss Flag of Sweden.svg Jorgen Kruth K-1 Scandinavia GP in StockholmDecision33:00
5/03/2006Loss Flag of New Zealand.svg Ray Sefo K-1 WGP 2005 in AucklandDecision33:00
23 September 2005Loss Flag of Japan.svg Musashi K-1 2005 WGP Final EliminationDecision33:00
13 August 2005Loss Flag of the United States.svg Mighty Mo K-1 2005 in Las Vegas IITKO (strikes)11:20
4/12/2004Loss Flag of the Netherlands.svg Remy Bonjasky K-1 2004 WGP FinalDecision33:00
4/12/2004Win Flag of the Netherlands.svg Peter Aerts K-1 2004 WGP FinalTKO (leg injury)11:13
25 September 2004Win Flag of France.svg Jérôme Le Banner K-1 2004 WGP Final EliminationForfeit (injury)3N/A
6/05/2004Loss Flag of the Netherlands.svg Remy Bonjasky K-1 WGP in NagoyaDecision33:00
27 March 2004Loss Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Aziz KhattouK-1 WGP in SaitamaDecision33:00
31 December 2003Loss Flag of Japan.svg Yusuke Fujimoto Dynamite!!Decision33:00
6/12/2003Loss Flag of France.svg Cyril Abidi K-1 2003 WGP FinalDecision33:00
11/09/2003Loss Flag of France.svg Cyril Abidi K-1 2003 WGP Final EliminationDQ10:19

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
1 match0 wins1 loss
By submission01
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss0–1 Yoshihiro Akiyama Submission (armbar) K-1 PREMIUM 2004 Dynamite!! December 31, 200411:54 Osaka, Japan

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References

  1. ↑ "BOXING;Botha Tests Positive Again". The New York Times. 27 January 1996.
  2. ↑ "Holyfield v Botha fight in Uganda is delayed". BBC News. 4 January 2010.
  3. ↑ "Dan Rafael". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on 28 November 2009.
  4. ↑ "BoxRec Boxing Records".
  5. ↑ "Frans Botha - Boxer".
  6. ↑ Boxing: Nasser blamed for confusion over fight, by Patrick McKendry, nzherald.co.nz, dated 7 March 2013.
  7. ↑ Kunlun Fight 34: Asihati pobijedio Fransa Bothu (in Croatian)
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