Best fights of Francois Botha
Over 24 years as a professional, Francois Botha has compiled a 48-11-3 (29) record, including 15 title fights. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Francois Botha loses to Michael Moorer via KO
On November 9, 1996 Francois Botha fought Michael Moorer for the IBF heavyweight title. Botha was 28 years old with a record of 35-0, and Moorer was 28 with a record of 37-1. Moorer was on a 2-fight winning streak. Moorer stopped Botha via TKO in the 12th round. Failed to capture the title. Lasted into the 12th round.
2. Francois Botha draws with Shannon Briggs
On August 7, 1999 Francois Botha faced Shannon Briggs in a heavyweight bout. Botha was 30 years old with a record of 39-2, and Briggs was 27 with a record of 31-2. Botha was coming off a loss, while Briggs was coming off a win. The fight ended in a majority decision.
3. Francois Botha loses to Wladimir Klitschko via KO
On March 16, 2002 Francois Botha fought Wladimir Klitschko for the WBO heavyweight title. Botha was 33 years old with a record of 44-3-1, and Klitschko was 25 with a record of 37-1. Botha was on a 4-fight winning streak and Klitschko was on a 13-fight winning streak. Klitschko stopped Botha via TKO in the 8th round. Failed to capture the title.
4. Francois Botha defeats Timo Hoffmann
On May 15, 2009 Francois Botha defended his WBF (Foundation) heavyweight title against Timo Hoffmann. Botha was 40 years old with a record of 46-4-2, and Hoffmann was 34 with a record of 38-6-1. Botha was on a 2-fight winning streak and Hoffmann was coming off a win. Botha won via split decision. Defended the title.
5. Francois Botha loses to Mike Tyson via KO
On January 16, 1999 Francois Botha faced Mike Tyson in a heavyweight bout. Botha was 30 years old with a record of 39-1, and Tyson was 32 with a record of 45-3. Botha was on a 4-fight winning streak, while Tyson was on a 2-fight losing streak. Tyson stopped Botha via KO in the 5th round.
6. Francois Botha KOs James Stanton
On May 10, 1997 Francois Botha fought James Stanton for the vacant WBA-NABA heavyweight title. Botha was 28 years old with a record of 35-1, and Stanton was 0 with a record of 0-0. Botha was coming off a loss. Botha stopped James Stanton via KO in the 10th round. Won the vacant title.
7. Francois Botha KOs Steve Pannell
On January 8, 2000 Francois Botha faced Steve Pannell. Botha was 31 years old with a record of 39-2-1, and Pannell was 0 with a record of 0-0. Botha stopped Steve Pannell via TKO in the 1st round.
8. Francois Botha KOs Joey Guy
On March 16, 2001 Francois Botha faced Joey Guy. Botha was 32 years old with a record of 41-3-1, and Guy was 0 with a record of 0-0. Botha was coming off a win. Botha stopped Joey Guy via KO in the 1st round.
9. Francois Botha KOs David Cherry
On June 26, 1998 Francois Botha faced David Cherry. Botha was 29 years old with a record of 38-1, and Cherry was 0 with a record of 0-0. Botha was on a 3-fight winning streak. Botha stopped David Cherry via TKO in the 1st round.
10. Francois Botha KOs Tony LaRosa
On November 2, 2000 Francois Botha faced Tony LaRosa. Botha was 32 years old with a record of 40-3-1, and LaRosa was 0 with a record of 0-0. Botha was coming off a loss. Botha stopped Tony LaRosa via TKO in the 1st round.