Former African Boxing Champion Oteng Oteng who attributes his long absence from the boxing ring to his hectic academic schedule has vowed to make a fierce return soon.
Oteng is a final year information and technology (IT) student at Botho University in Gaborone and he is expected to complete his course in December 2016.
The boxing Maestro last donned the national colors in 2014 where he achieved various titles in local and international tournaments.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday Standard Sport, Oteng said he opted to concentrate on his studies first before he can give his undivided attention to sports.
” I chose to take a short break from boxing in order to complete my studies well in time, because I spent much time in boxing over the years which slowed down my academic progress and I was forced to catch up with what I missed to be on the same level with other students” he said.
Oteng who is under the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) elite scholarship further stated that he is “wary” of the “threat” that his local and international boxers are posing citing the “massive progress” they have made in his absence.
“It’s not going to be an effortless route for me to regain my top form and match other active boxer’s standard, I will have to work hard day and night because boxers improve every time they compete but am also ready for the challenge” said the soft spoken boxer.
“Whenever I find time I train with other boxers because it is important to remain in good shape as an athlete. I will be back in the ring again soon”
Oteng dominated the African Zone 6 championships for six consecutive years claiming gold and individual awards. He went on to represent Botswana at the 2010 commonwealth games in Delhi, India and the 2012 London Olympics where he was knocked out in the first round with a score of 12:14 to a 17 year old boxer from Puerto Rico, Jeyvier Cintron.
The 26 years old Mookane Born also competed at the 2014 Glasgow 20th Commonwealth games in Scotland.
