It’s been 25 years since SA produced its first IBF heavyweight champion, and that was when charismatic Francois “White Buffalo” Botha defeated Germany’s Axel Schultz for the vacant title.

The fight took place today – December 9 – in 1995 in Stuttgart. The country had previously witnessed Gerrie “Bionic Hand” Coetzee write local boxing history by becoming the first ever African to fight for and win a world heavyweight title – the WBA – when he knocked out American Michael Dokes in the 10th round in 1983. Coetzee also became the first Caucasian world heavyweight champion in 23 years.

Guest: Francois "Frans" Botha 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.