Francois Botha

Francois "Frans" Botha (born 28 September 1968) is a South African kickboxer and former professional boxer. He is best known for winning the IBF heavyweight title in 1995 against Axel Schulz, a title later stripped from Botha after he tested positive for steroids. Botha has also competed once in mixed martial arts.

Boxing career

Early career

Botha has had a relatively distinguished career as a heavyweight boxer, having fought several world heavyweight champions including Mike Tyson, Shannon Briggs, Axel Schulz, Michael Moorer, Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko. Botha suffered a fifth round knockout to Mike Tyson, and the famous fight with Shannon Briggs, which ended in a draw.

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 Jerome Le Banner and Peter Aerts. Botha's final K-1 match was a 3 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

48 Wins (29 knockouts), 11 Losses, 3 Draws, 1 No Contest
Result	Record	Opponent	Type	Rounds	Date	Location	Notes
Loss	48-11-3 1 NC	Andrzej Wawrzyk	TKO	5 (10)	15/03/2014	Hotel Arłamów, Arłamów, Poland
Loss	48-10-3 1 NC	Joseph Parker	TKO	2 (8)	13/06/2013	Trusts Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand
Loss	48-9-3 1 NC	Sonny Bill Williams	UD	10 (12)	08/02/2013	Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, Queensland	For the vacant WBA International heavyweight belt
Loss	48-8-3 1 NC	Francesco Pianeta	UD	10	07/09/2012	RWE Rhein-Ruhr Sporthalle, Mülheim, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany	Judges' scores were 96-100, 92-99 & 93-97.
Loss	48-7-3 1 NC	Carlos Takam	TKO	11 (12)	31/03/2012	Gymnase Jean Richepin, Noisy-le-Grand, Seine-Saint-Denis, France	For WBO Africa heavyweight title.
Loss	48-6-3 1 NC	Michael Grant	KO	12 (12)	19/11/2011	Monte Casino, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa	For WBF Heavyweight title.
Win	48-5-3 1 NC	Flo Simba	TKO	6 (10)	04/06/2011	Emperor's Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa
Loss	47-5-3 1 NC	Evander Holyfield	TKO	8 (12)	10/04/2010	Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States	For vacant WBF Heavyweight title. Botha down in round 8.
Draw	47-4-3 1 NC	Pedro Carrion	MD	12	24/10/2009	Anhalt Arena, Dessau, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany	For vacant WBF Heavyweight title.
Win	47-4-2 1 NC	Timo Hoffmann	SD	12	15/05/2009	Bordelandhalle, Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany	Won WBF Heavyweight title. Hoffmann down in round 11.
Win	46-4-2 1 NC	Ron Guerrero	UD	12	06/02/2009	Tlokwe Banquet Hall, Potchefstroom, North-West, South Africa	Won vacant WBF Heavyweight title.
Win	45-4-2 1 NC	Bob Mirovic	UD	12	06/07/2007	Carousel Hotel & Casino, Temba, North-West, South Africa	Won interim WBF Heavyweight title.
Draw	44-4-2 1 NC	Clifford Etienne	PTS	10	27/07/2002	New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States	Etienne down in the 5th and 6th rounds.
Loss	44-4-1 1 NC	Wladimir Klitschko	TKO	8 (12)	16/03/2002	Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	For WBO Heavyweight title.
Win	44-3-1 1 NC	Russell Chasteen	TKO	3 (10)	13/07/2001	Agua Caliente Casino, Rancho Mirage, California, United States
Win	43-3-1 1 NC	David Bostice	UD	10	05/06/2001	Fremont Street Experience, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	42-3-1 1 NC	Joey Guy	KO	1 (10)	16/03/2001	Orleans Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	41-3-1 1 NC	Tony LaRosa	TKO	1 (10)	02/11/2000	District of Columbia, United States
Loss	40-3-1 1 NC	Lennox Lewis	TKO	2 (12)	15/07/2000	New London Arena, Millwall, London, England, United Kingdom	For WBC, IBF & IBO Heavyweight titles.
Win	40-2-1 1 NC	Steve Pannell	TKO	1 (10)	08/01/2000	The Pit, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Draw	39-2-1 1 NC	Shannon Briggs	MD	10	07/08/1999	Taj Majal Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States	Botha down in round 8.
Loss	39–2 1 NC	Mike Tyson	KO	5 (10)	16/01/1999	MGM Grand Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	39–1 1 NC	David Cherry	TKO	1 (10)	26/06/1998	Boone County Fairgrounds, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Win	38–1 1 NC	Stan Johnson	KO	1 (10)	24/04/1998	Fairground, Dubuque, Iowa, United States
Win	37–1 1 NC	Lee Gilbert	UD	12	21/06/1997	Sun Dome, Tampa, Florida, United States	Retained NABA Heavyweight title. Gilbert down in round 11.
Win	36–1 1 NC	James Stanton	KO	10 (12)	10/05/1997	Convention Center, Coconut Grove, Florida, United States	Won vacant NABA Heavyweight title.
Loss	35–1 1 NC	Michael Moorer	TKO	12 (12)	09/11/1996	MGM Grand Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States	For IBF Heavyweight title.
NC	35–0 1 NC	Axel Schulz	NC	12	09/12/1995	Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	For vacant IBF Heavyweight title. Botha tested positive for steroids shortly after the fight and was stripped of the title.
Win	35–0	Willie Jake	UD	8	08/04/1995	Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	34–0	Brian Sargent	TKO	1 (10)	17/03/1995	Memorial Auditorium, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Win	33–0	Bill Corrigan	TKO	1 (10)	07/03/1995	Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Win	32–0	Ken Lakusta	KO	1 (10)	17/12/1994	Ruminahui Coliseum, Quito, Ecuador
Win	31–0	Phil Scott	KO	6 (10)	02/07/1994	Mirage Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win	30–0	Martin Foster	TKO	1 (10)	21/05/1994	Kings Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Win	29–0	Craig Payne	KO	7 (10)	30/10/1993	Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Win	28–0	John Morton	TKO	3 (10)	01/10/1993	Arco Arena, Sacramento, California, United States
Win	27–0	Ron Goodwin	KO	4 (10)	25/06/1993	Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win	26–0	Calvin Jones	TKO	2 (10)	15/06/1993	Denison, Texas, United States
Win	25–0	Billy Wright	TKO	5 (10)	16/01/1993	Reno-Sparks Convention Center, Reno, Nevada, United States
Win	24–0	Artie Hooks	KO	1 (8)	19/11/1992	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Win	23–0	Mike Jones	KO	1 (8)	19/11/1992	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Win	22–0	Russell Rierson	KO	1 (8)	19/11/1992	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Win	21–0	Jimmy Bills	UD	8	07/10/1992	Amarillo, Texas, United States
Win	20–0	Russell Rierson	KO	5 (8)	29/09/1992	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Win	19–0	Mike Hunter	MD	8	22/09/1992	El Paso, Texas, United States	Botha down in round 1.
Win	18–0	David Martin	KO	3 (8)	18/07/1992	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Win	17–0	Ken Jackson	UD	8	04/07/1992	Dallas, Texas, United States
Win	16–0	Ron Ackerson	KO	3 (8)	12/06/1992	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Win	15–0	Marion Wilson	PTS	8	29/05/1992	Amarillo, Texas, United States
Win	14–0	Ron Ackerson	KO	3 (8)	07/05/1992	Westlin Hotel, Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Win	13–0	Tim Tomashek	PTS	10	15/11/1991	Sacramento, California, United States
Win	12–0	Ginger Tshabalala	SD	8	30/09/1991	Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Win	11–0	Siza Makathini	PTS	10	18/08/1991	Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa	Won Transvaal Heavyweight title.
Win	10–0	Shaun Ayers	PTS	10	30/06/1991	Nasrec Indoor Arena, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
Win	9–0	Rick Rice	KO	3 (8)	18/02/1991	Arena Indoor Hall, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Win	8–0	Gideon Hlongwa	PTS	8	27/01/1991	Good Hope Centre, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Win	7–0	Leander Collins	KO	2 (8)	22/09/1990	Intl. Convention Center, Brownsville, Texas, United States
Win	6–0	Andre Smiley	KO	2 (8)	11/09/1990	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Win	5–0	Kevin Denson	PTS	6	25/08/1990	Central Maine Civic Center, Lewiston, Maine, United States
Win	4–0	Elvis Franks	PTS	4	23/06/1990	Dallas, Texas, United States
Win	3–0	Joe Adams	PTS	4	27/04/1990	Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win	2–0	Themba Msweli	PTS	4	09/04/1990	Pretoria University Arena, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Win	1–0	Johan Van Zyl	KO	1 (4)	11/02/1990	Portuguese Hall, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa	Pro debut for Botha.

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	2
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	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	KO (Leg Injury)	1	1:13
25/09/2004	Win	Jérôme Le Banner	K-1 2004 WGP Final Elimination	TKO (forfeit)	3	0:00
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

References

External links

• Professional boxing record for Francois Botha from BoxRec
• Professional MMA record for Francois Botha from Sherdog
  
• Profile at K-1