Francois Botha

Francois "Frans" Botha (born 28 September 1968) is a South African former professional boxer and kickboxer. In boxing he competed 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, Wladimir Klitschko, Lennox Lewis, Michael Moorer and late in their respective careers, Evander Holyfield. Botha participated once in mixed martial arts in 2004.

Francois Botha
Botha (right) vs. Parker, 2013
BornFrancois Johannes Botha
(1968-09-28) 28 September 1968
Witbank, South Africa
Other namesThe White Buffalo
NationalitySouth African
Height1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Division
Reach188 cm (74 in)
StyleBoxing
StanceOrthodox
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

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, although Botha was introduced as a former champ in every single professional boxing contest he has engaged in since.

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 knocked him out 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] Botha is hoping for a possible rematch against Williams in Cape Town.

Kickboxing and mixed martial arts career

From 2003-2006 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
Professional record summary
63 fights 48 wins 11 losses
By knockout 29 9
By decision 19 2
Draws 3
No contests 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
63 Loss 48–11–3 (1) Andrzej Wawrzyk TKO 5 (10), 1:56 15 Mar 2014 Hotel Arłamów, Arłamów, Poland For vacant Poland International heavyweight title
62 Loss 48–10–3 (1) Joseph Parker TKO 2 (8), 2:32 13 Jun 2013 The Trusts Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
61 Loss 48–9–3 (1) Sonny Bill Williams UD 10 8 Feb 2013 Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Australia For vacant WBA International heavyweight title
60 Loss 48–8–3 (1) Francesco Pianeta UD 10 7 Sep 2012 RWE Rhein-Ruhr Sporthalle, Mülheim, Germany
59 Loss 48–7–3 (1) Carlos Takam TKO 11 (12) 31 Mar 2012 Gymnase Jean Richepin, Noisy-le-Grand, France For WBO Africa and vacant WBF (Federation) International heavyweight titles
58 Loss 48–6–3 (1) Michael Grant KO 12 (12), 2:23 19 Nov 2011 Montecasino, Johannesburg, South Africa For WBF (Federation) heavyweight title
57 Win 48–5–3 (1) Flo Simba TKO 6 (10), 2:50 4 Jun 2011 Emperor's Palace, Kempton Park, South Africa
56 Loss 47–5–3 (1) Evander Holyfield TKO 8 (12), 0:55 10 Apr 2010 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, US For vacant WBF (Federation) heavyweight title
55 Draw 47–4–3 (1) Pedro Carrión MD 12 24 Oct 2009 Anhalt Arena, Dessau, Germany For vacant WBF (Federation) heavyweight title
54 Win 47–4–2 (1) Timo Hoffmann SD 12 15 May 2009 Bördelandhalle, Magdeburg, Germany Retained WBF (Foundation) heavyweight title
53 Win 46–4–2 (1) Ron Guerrero UD 12 6 Feb 2009 Tlokwe Banquet Hall, Potchefstroom, South Africa Won vacant WBF (Foundation) heavyweight title
52 Win 45–4–2 (1) Bob Mirovic UD 12 6 Jul 2007 Carousel Casino, Hammanskraal, South Africa Won vacant WBF (Foundation) interim heavyweight title
51 Draw 44–4–2 (1) Clifford Etienne MD 10 27 Jul 2002 New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, US
50 Loss 44–4–1 (1) Wladimir Klitschko TKO 8 (12), 0:47 16 Mar 2002 Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, Germany For WBO heavyweight title
49 Win 44–3–1 (1) Russell Chasteen TKO 3 (10), 1:36 13 Jul 2001 Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, Rancho Mirage, California, US
48 Win 43–3–1 (1) David Bostice UD 10 5 Jun 2001 Fremont Street Experience, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
47 Win 42–3–1 (1) Joey Guy KO 1 (10), 2:40 16 Mar 2001 The Orleans, Paradise, Nevada, US
46 Win 41–3–1 (1) Tony LaRosa TKO 1 (10), 2:56 2 Nov 2000 Washington, D.C., US
45 Loss 40–3–1 (1) Lennox Lewis TKO 2 (12), 2:39 15 Jul 2000 London Arena, London, England For WBC, IBF, and IBO heavyweight titles
44 Win 40–2–1 (1) Steve Pannell TKO 1 (10), 2:08 8 Jan 2000 University Arena, Albuquerque, New Mexico, US
43 Draw 39–2–1 (1) Shannon Briggs MD 10 7 Aug 1999 Etess Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
42 Loss 39–2 (1) Mike Tyson KO 5 (10), 2:59 16 Jan 1999 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, US
41 Win 39–1 (1) David Cherry TKO 1 (10), 2:38 26 Jun 1998 Boone County Fairgrounds, Kansas City, Missouri, US
40 Win 38–1 (1) Stan Johnson KO 1 (10), 0:27 24 Apr 1998 County Fairgrounds, Dubuque, Iowa, US
39 Win 37–1 (1) Lee Gilbert UD 12 21 Jun 1997 USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, US Retained WBA–NABA heavyweight title
38 Win 36–1 (1) James Stanton KO 10 (12), 3:00 10 May 1997 Convention Center, Coconut Grove, Florida, US Won vacant WBA–NABA heavyweight title
37 Loss 35–1 (1) Michael Moorer TKO 12 (12), 1:18 9 Nov 1996 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, US For IBF heavyweight title
36 NC 35–0 (1) Axel Schulz SD 12 9 Dec 1995 Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, Germany Vacant IBF heavyweight title at stake;
Originally an SD win for Botha, later ruled an NC after he failed a drug test
35 Win 35–0 Willie Jake UD 8 8 Apr 1995 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, US
34 Win 34–0 Brian Sargent TKO 1 (10) 17 Mar 1995 Memorial Auditorium, Worcester, Massachusetts, US
33 Win 33–0 Bill Corrigan TKO 1 (10), 0:41 7 Mar 1995 War Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US
32 Win 32–0 Ken Lakusta KO 1 (10) 17 Dec 1994 Coliseo General Rumiñahui, Quito, Ecuador
31 Win 31–0 Phil Scott RTD 6 (10), 3:00 2 Jul 1994 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, US
30 Win 30–0 Martin Foster TKO 1 (10), 1:37 21 May 1994 Kings Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
29 Win 29–0 Craig Payne RTD 7 (10) 30 Oct 1993 Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
28 Win 28–0 John Morton TKO 3 (10) 1 Oct 1993 ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, US
27 Win 27–0 Ron Goodwin KO 4 (10) 25 Jun 1993 Phoenix, Arizona, US
26 Win 26–0 Calvin Jones TKO 2 (10) 15 Jun 1993 Denison, Texas, US
25 Win 25–0 Billy Wright TKO 5 (8), 2:33 16 Jan 1993 Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, US
24 Win 24–0 Artie Hooks KO 1 (8) 19 Nov 1992 Days Inn South, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
23 Win 23–0 Mike Jones KO 1 (8) 19 Nov 1992 Days Inn South, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
22 Win 22–0 Russell Rierson KO 1 (8) 19 Nov 1992 Days Inn South, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
21 Win 21–0 Jimmy Bills UD 8 7 Oct 1992 Amarillo, Texas, US
20 Win 20–0 Russell Rierson KO 5 (8) 29 Sep 1992 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
19 Win 19–0 Mike Hunter MD 8 22 Sep 1992 County Coliseum, El Paso, Texas, US
18 Win 18–0 David Martin KO 3 (8) 18 Jul 1992 Civic Assembly Center, Muskogee, Oklahoma, US
17 Win 17–0 Ken Jackson UD 8 4 Jul 1992 Dallas, Texas, US
16 Win 16–0 Ron Ackerson KO 3 (8) 12 Jun 1992 Central Plaza Hotel, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
15 Win 15–0 Marion Wilson PTS 8 29 May 1992 Amarillo, Texas, US
14 Win 14–0 Ron Ackerson KO 3 (8) 7 May 1992 Westin Hotel, Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
13 Win 13–0 Tim Tomashek PTS 10 15 Nov 1991 ARCO Arena, Sacramento, California, US
12 Win 12–0 Ginger Tshabalala SD 6 30 Sep 1991 Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
11 Win 11–0 Siza Makathini SD 10 18 Aug 1991 Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa Won Transvaal heavyweight title
10 Win 10–0 Shaun Ayers UD 10 30 Jun 1991 Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
9 Win 9–0 Rick Rice KO 3 (8) 18 Feb 1991 Voortrekkerhoogte, Pretoria, South Africa
8 Win 8–0 Gideon Hlongwa PTS 6 27 Jan 1991 Good Hope Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
7 Win 7–0 Leander Collins KO 2 (8) 22 Sep 1990 International Convention Center, Brownsville, Texas, US
6 Win 6–0 Andre Smiley KO 2 (8) 11 Sep 1990 Central Plaza Hotel, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US
5 Win 5–0 Kevin Denson PTS 6 25 Aug 1990 Civic Center, Lewiston, Maine, US
4 Win 4–0 Elvis Franks UD 4 23 Jun 1990 Dallas, Texas, US
3 Win 3–0 Joe Adams UD 4 27 Apr 1990 Point Cadet Plaza, Biloxi, Mississippi, US
2 Win 2–0 Themba Msweli PTS 4 9 Apr 1990 University Arena, Pretoria, South Africa
1 Win 1–0 Johan Van Zyl KO 1 (4) 11 Feb 1990 Portuguese Hall, Johannesburg, South Africa

Kickboxing record
4 Wins, 12 Losses
Date Result Opponent Event Method Round Time
21/11/2015 Loss Asihati Kunlun Fight 34, Shenzhen, China [7] Decision 3 3:00
27/09/2008 Loss Gregory Tony WFC 6, Sofia, Bulgaria Decision 3 3:00
30/03/2008 Win Kaoklai Kaennorsing The Khan 1, Seoul, Korea Decision 3 3:00
14/10/2006 Win Espedito Da Silva K-1 Rules Africa Bomba-Yaa 2006 KO (strikes) 2 N/A
20/05/2006 Loss Jorgen Kruth K-1 Scandinavia GP in Stockholm Decision 3 3:00
5/03/2006 Loss Ray Sefo K-1 WGP 2005 in Auckland Decision 3 3:00
23/09/2005 Loss Musashi K-1 2005 WGP Final Elimination Decision 3 3:00
13/08/2005 Loss Mighty Mo K-1 2005 in Las Vegas II TKO (strikes) 1 1:20
4/12/2004 Loss Remy Bonjasky K-1 2004 WGP Final Decision 3 3:00
4/12/2004 Win Peter Aerts K-1 2004 WGP Final TKO (leg injury) 1 1:13
25/09/2004 Win Jérôme Le Banner K-1 2004 WGP Final Elimination Forfeit (injury) 3 N/A
6/05/2004 Loss Remy Bonjasky K-1 WGP in Nagoya Decision 3 3:00
27/03/2004 Loss Aziz Khattou K-1 WGP in Saitama Decision 3 3:00
31/12/2003 Loss Yusuke Fujimoto Dynamite!! Decision 3 3:00
6/12/2003 Loss Cyril Abidi K-1 2003 WGP Final Decision 3 3:00
11/09/2003 Loss Cyril Abidi K-1 2003 WGP Final Elimination DQ 1 0:19

Mixed martial arts record
0 Wins, 1 Loss
Date Result Opponent Event Method Round Time
2004-12-31 Loss Yoshihiro Akiyama K-1 PREMIUM 2004 Dynamite!! Submission (armbar) 1 1:54 Osaka, Japan
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gollark: PRs welcome!

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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