Pro Boxer STUNS Kickboxing Legend - Francois Botha vs. Jerome Le Banner

[@lanceobe6801]

Botha is the kinda guy you never want to fight in a bar

[@willembass]

A racist

[@travzimmerman1340]

You get in bar fights? 😂😂😂

[@ГенаГ-з9т]

В Баре бьются без Перчаток и там бы Бота выбил бы Дурь из каждого А может быть и Боксёра

[@Petroleuminstitute84]

Not anymore, the rounds with crisps and peanuts come to £150 these days lol

[@oe8723]

but Jerome Le Banner its ok?

[@JuggoJuggo]

Lets all give some props to the real hero, the guy who picked Botha up on his shoulders at the end of the match.

[@benbazor3656]

That looks like Gary Goodridge

[@jeffwalters8180]

Prayers for that fellas intervertebral disc heights.

[@agt155]

Looks like Garry Goddridge

[@pjludda4323]

Oh, you mean Big Daddy Goodridge? Yeah, big ups to Big Daddy indeed! :D

[@alexr.5421]

Jahahaha, very Good 😂😂😂😂

[@DexterHaven]

Botha's game plan was "huh-huh!"

[@MrCzto]

I saw a Huh-huh-huh-huh in there at some point😂

[@ChristopheOeuvrard]

Haha haha huhu

[@spinespindle9872]

Although Botha is a 1-2 fighter, dude can be explosive. He also fought Tyson, Vladimir klitshko, holyfield, Lennox Lewis. In boxing he was on a 35 fight winning streak until his first loss

[@guywilliams6569]

And those 35 were tomato cans... He LOST to top tier opposition... He's the DEFINITION of "great WHITE HYPE"...

[@karooeagle]

@@guywilliams6569He at least fought the top heavyweights of his era unlike wilder and the present crop that are picking and choosing and avoiding some on their way to a title shot.

[@guywilliams6569]

@@karooeagle hahahahahaha... You must be a white guy....

[@karooeagle]

@@guywilliams6569 what's race got to do with the topic ???? I'm amazed at your racist comment and will not disclose what colour of the rainbow I am . Ignoramus!!

[@guywilliams6569]

@@karooeagle hahahaha... Because POC don't talk like you do or make the same ridiculous "points"...

[@gtjust8188]

Botha fought Tyson, he ain't scared or intimidated by anyone.

[@davidkeith571]

Botha never fought Mike Tyson from what I can find. If he had I guarantee Tyson would have fucking killed him.

[@SkyCreeper1]

@@davidkeith571 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKrcmZewrtCXo5I

[@benjamincoetzee1369]

He did fight Tyson but lost. Actually gave Tyson a little bit of a go in the first or second round but got knocked out.

[@gtjust8188]

@@davidkeith571 they did fight, and its easy to find too. Just type in Tyson vs Botha 🤷‍♂️ its not rocket science.

[@paulschmidtke425]

@@davidkeith571 your wrong, he fought Tyson, and he gave a good account of himself (he did lose though) Botha is one tough mother, how the hell could you not know that

[@515351535153]

Shows that basic boxing skills and a lot of ring experience can go a long way in other combat sports. Botha was a good boxer, but not among the best heavyweights of the 1990s. I remember watching him get knocked out with a single punch by Mike Tyson who had just got out of prison. But even at an advanced age, with no kicking or kneeing ability, slow footwork, and just a 1-2 combo, Botha was still able to beat a bigger, stronger and younger professional kickboxer under kickboxing rules.

[@davidlawrencegraham6722]

he was schooling mike tyson before he got hit with the straight right botha was world class

[@fliarshypocritestothebones5698]

" I remember watching him get knocked out with a single punch by Mike Tyson who had just got out of prison." LOL! But you don't remember that Mike Tyson was out of prison for years when he fought Botha..

[@fliarshypocritestothebones5698]

"get knocked out with a single punch by Mike Tyson who had just got out of prison" "he was schooling mike tyson" "Yes, Tyson was in big trouble" When people need to exaggerate things to get attention.. Hey stupid people who believe every BS you read or listen, watch the fight by yourselves and make your own opinion of that fight

[@chipchiperson679]

@@davidlawrencegraham6722 You’re a fk’n idiot, Tyson was already coked out at that stage of his career and wasnt taking that fight seriously. Botha wasnt doing shit in that fight except dancing around for five rounds until Tyson nailed him with that straight right which doesnt happen by accident. Kickboxers and mma fighters dont have the same level of talent as very good boxers Since boxing is harder Which is why those other disciplines get paid shit

[@jorgelouis709]

Tyson was still in his prime still the best

[@0innerself0]

Much respect for Botha. He was definitely a tough guy.

[@seancottis3369]

Yes a decent fighter he was in with the best

[@miller566]

If he didn't party so much, he would have gone further in his boxing career.

[@stillgotyourmom]

​@@miller566Tf you talking bout? He had 35 wins in a row then lost to Tyson and Lenox and his career was done as the next journeyman. Here he was like 35 and he still fought good rankings with 40+

[@miller566]

@stillgotyourmom He was an awesome fighter. Love the guy. For his lifestyle, which i know for a fact, he likes to party too hard, and when you are fighting top-notch opponents, you can't do that. Have his autographed photo that my brother got for me while he was golfing with him in New Zealand.

[@jimnagel5611]

HE WAS TOUGH GUY & FOUGHT THE BEST - HE FOUND A HOME FOR THAT STRAIGHT RIGHT & WORE THIS GUY OUT

[@Tommy1198S]

Francois eating kicks and punches like candy, respect.

[@nicholasporter1417]

Botha would brutalise half the current top10 now if he came about all over again. Was in a brutal era, ducked nobody & still held his own! Big up 2the big man FBotha

[@Chasetherabbit100]

I don't think he would brutalize it, but I think he would do good. He would be one of the top guys. I think Andy Ruiz would beat him. Among some others.

[@rm8409]

@@Chasetherabbit100 how would Botha compete against Wilder and Fury. This statement is inaccurate. Maybe a good fight against Andy Ruiz. I would pick Ruiz to win that.

[@adrienreynard7079]

@@rm8409 he wouldn't beat Fury but would surely beat Wilder

[@travzimmerman1340]

No, he wouldnt.

[@nicholasporter1417]

@@travzimmerman1340 something a 6yr old would write

[@barneydeandrade8072]

Botha may not have been the most skilled boxer in terms of movement and speed. He made up for it with absolute toughness and resilience. Never underestimate a South African Boer.

[@hwirtwirt4500]

Botha was a great boxer that fought the very best champions, he may have come up short against the very best but he always fought hard and courageously. He has my respect and Jerome Le Banner's who is a legend in kick boxing.

[@Provos7777]

@@hwirtwirt4500 absolutely. Botha was excellent, he fought in one of the most stacked Heavyweight divisions in history.

[@jorgelouis709]

He fought Mike Tyson in his prime Jerome is much younger in this fight Botha in his prime would beat Tyson Fury

[@Provos7777]

@@jorgelouis709 He absolutely would not. He was very very tough but he lost almost all his biggest fights. When Botha fought Mike Tyson, Tyson was far removed from his prime in 1999-00

[@stevecrocker6904]

@@jorgelouis709: Botha has my respect as a resilient and brave fighter ... but in his prime on his best night he wouldn't beat Tyson Fury

[@ch0wned]

Old Boxers are like submarines. Never underestimate a submarine. Way to go, Botha!

[@sasazivanovic777]

Damn... i doesn't expect that. And Botha had Balls of Steel, a true Fighter !

[@subvertedworld]

This fight shows just how effective the ole 1-2 combo really is. He straight wore his ass out with it. Bravo.

[@samuellowekey9271]

Yup, used by the best, including Tyson Fury.

[@putinski666]

Going up against a young le banner at kickboxing at his age. That takes some serious balls

[@Lolife86]

YOung Lebanner , Botha is 3 years older...

[@TheMagnificent1903]

⁠@@Lolife864 years* and difference between 32 and 36 is crazy back than.

[@Apost-ux8wm]

Bro 32-36 is the same thing​@@TheMagnificent1903

[@shinestar2912]

This fight was in 2004 Botha was 36YO. People act like it was last week lol

[@rexalice1]

フランソワ・ボタ選手はボクサーとして偉大なばかりでなく、ボクサーの強さをキックボクシングの戦場であるK-1でも証明した魅力的なファイターでした。 K-1の歴史で過小評価されているファイターの一人だと思います。 今見ても胸が熱くなる試合です！👍

[@robertenox7668]

Exactly! What did you say?

[@mozambique0517]

基本ワンツーしか打っていないが、これが本物のボクサーが放つパンチだわ。 ボタは凄かった。

[@rexalice1]

@@mozambique0517 まさに！キックボクサーに鞍替えと言うより、ボクサーとしてキックボクシングに挑んでるスタイルが魅力だった。 どうもありがとう、なんか外国人に「その通り！で何て言ってんの？」って煽りコメ貰って若干イラっとしてたけど日本人から同意を貰えて嬉しかったよ😄

[@筋トレ好き-d2x]

持ち上げ過ぎだろ自分。煽られるのも無理ない。声出ししながらのワンツー、実に滑稽だったよな。

[@rexalice1]

@@筋トレ好き-d2x わざわざスポーツ選手を蔑まずにいられない君の幼稚さこそ普通に滑稽の一言だし、社会に上手く適応できているか心配だよ。まあ頑張って。

[@worksstation1296]

Le banner is a legend in the kickboxing world fighting guys like cro cop , mark hunt and Ernesto hoost so a lot respect should go towards botha. He wasn't the greatest but he always put up a fight the best he could, I remember seeing an interview back in 2020 where shannon briggs who also fought in k1 said francois botha was the hardest puncher he ever faced

[@christianf7740]

And Botha in his prime fought some of the best boxers ever. He was NOT in his prime when this fight took place. Old and fat but still was never in any real danger. Imagine LeBanner, Hoost or Cro cop fighting Lennox Lewis, Shannon Briggs or Evander Holyfield in their prime. It would have been brutal.

[@kevthegoat8774]

​@@christianf7740Briggs said the leg kicks from Tom Erikson who was primarily a wrestler hurt, a guy like Cro Cop, Hoost or Overeem would eat him up. Same case for a guy like Holyfield, his skinny legs ain't taking kicks and Lennox ain't built for anything but boxing.

[@deepaknag4598]

Botha is 57 years old and still he is good

[@Fluoride_Jones]

+deepak nag He's only 53 years old, and this fight was from 2004, just so you know. 🙂

[@christianopreuler1876]

@@Fluoride_Jones 👍

[@deepaknag4598]

@@Fluoride_Jones I thought its recent fight

[@Fluoride_Jones]

@@deepaknag4598 No problem! It was actually back on December 4th, 2004. An oldie, but a goodie, as they say!

[@FrancoisBothaZA]

There's a saying... if you can read, you can perform.

[@deandamon9922]

He was even with Tyson before he walked face first into the most vicious puncher who ever walked the planet. Mad props to the man on this fight. The white Buffalo.

[@marinusscholtz9342]

Botha is a South African.

[@deandamon9922]

@@marinusscholtz9342 my bad.

[@anthonymclean9743]

@@marinusscholtz9342 Maybe but he certainly ain't black..

[@yusefrussia172]

earnie shavers or foreman were heavier hitters than tyson

[@deandamon9922]

@@yusefrussia172 perhaps . But Tyson hit like a wrecking ball as well.

[@PrimeMatt]

I LOVE the fact there is no annoying commentary on this 👌🏼

[@baggie_woodman]

I dunno, the French trainer/coach constant shouting is beyond annoying.

[@blazejibo758]

@@baggie_woodman Exactly my thoughts, and a very annoying voice repeating the same thing over and over again at that.

[@Nickepickeparonpung]

Respect to Botha for his fighting heart, he sade after the fight against Swedens Jörgen Kruth that he could not walk after all legkicks, but he was quite ok for a guy that have no defence from that kind of punishment. Think how that hurts when a big dude like Banner or Kruth kicked the legs of a man that have no defence, even the headkicks Probabaly hade ko many other. Botha could take a punch like a man. It would be great to see Botha aginst a shorter guy like Mark Hunt, if both were in their prime, sorry my bad english

[@6riaan6]

Your english is good dude!

[@bunchofgrapesorafig]

@Nobody .12 God bless you brother. God bless everyone..

[@purebloodheretic4682]

He fought Tyson, Mike's Pretty Short, Botha was Easily Winning Until the 5th when Tyson Landed a Right Hook

[@raulshiro6239]

@@purebloodheretic4682 tyson was out of shape. He was out of prision

[@perezjean-christophe8541]

Le banner was out of shape for this fight

[@jeffreynapisa122]

Jerome Le banner was a beast kickboxing and had some wars during his career.....always exciting to watch always.

[@RogerThat1945]

Looks like he forgot to ever take a day of rest (Sabbath).

[@aage3060]

Is Sanders boer too?

[@Marcus-us3ws]

The great champions can also give up... a very beautiful lesson in life. (Two great champions in the ring)

[@danny24042002]

banner is juiced to the gills.. take that from him and he would loose to charlie z

[@geraldfriend256]

LeBanner is a bully and a coward.Dominated 95% of the striking and quit when he gassed out.And correct, freaky trapezoid muscles are are sure sign of heavy steroids.I am of a different opinion about great champions giving up.Sounds oxymoronic.

[@RonsHere123]

..ahh No, They don't~!!!

[@markokada7311]

In hindsight, if Francis Botha learned the low kick technic at his younger age, he'd have been an awesome powerful kick boxer, cause his one two punch was crispy, fast, strong & so very effective. Regardless, he did fight really well in terms of the strategy against one of the strongest kick boxer in the world. Thus he deserves a pat on the back.,,,,,,,(06/05/22)

[@dlmullins9054]

I think Botha was called 'The White Buffalo'. He fought many greats, but he was usually out-classed. He was a tough guy though.

[@VicRibeiro777]

"Wit Buffel", or like you said The White Buffalo. He's a legend in South Africa.

[@stevecrocker6904]

yep, no sensible person would fight him in a pub (bar, hotel)

[@T_bone]

The 1st round replay showed the fact that Botha was able to use the small space in the corner to avoid most of the serious blows that looked really bad in full speed.

[@davidsmith6976]

where were his kicks ,this isnt boxing?

[@PatkaBoy831]

@@davidsmith6976 .. and yet he still beat a legend without utilizing kicks.

[@cattycats4]

This fight was the epitome of one player mashing the same buttons repeatedly on a video game mixed with Bruce Lee fearing the man that had practiced one technique 1000 times rather than the man that practiced 1000 techniques once. Bothas one two was just too strong

[@KibatheMalinois]

Wow, very keen insight. I never thought of it that way. Thanks. He took some hard kicks and punches to the head and body and he still smiled at him after that like he was telling him, I've taken way harder punches than those little boy and I think the kid gave him his all but was probably mentally wrecked dealing with a seasoned pro who can take a beating. When Botha landed he landed some crazy power bombs if you watch the slow motion and the recoil of the Le Banners head and body. You can only imagine what he felt like during the impact and the after shocks. He took a beating from a near prime Tyson so I'm guessing that's why he was laughing at the kids offense and been honing his punches since well before the 90's.

[@cattycats4]

@@KibatheMalinois Botha was just tough as nails all of Lebanners strikes hurt badly, Botha had great chin and mental strength

[@KibatheMalinois]

@@cattycats4 that's for sure, I could just hear the impacts to the head and body, all the while wondering if I'd be standing taking a kick half that strong multiple times on the face and body😖. I don't know if it's just Botha's facial expressions but he seems to be grinning everytime he takes a heat. That's got to be some scary shit when you blasted him with your best kicks and punches. Botha on the other hand was consistent doing damage, aiming for the right spots, when he punched he really got them in effectively and was probably capitalising on the skills that the kid had yet to develop from experience

[@c.glivingstone9832]

Botha was always a tough cookie. Fought well and bravely against Lennox Lewis and so many others. You are not going to drop an old warrior without a real fight on your hands.

[@nr1NPC]

Lebanner showed really poor fight IQ in this fight. He could have easily set up a high kick to knock Botha out. Just kick low / mid and then all of a sudden go for a high kick = Easiest way to knock out boxers with

[@terrytari1891]

Botha gave Mike Tyson a hard time until Mike knocked him out in the 5th round!

[@missesmew]

@@nr1NPC everyone has a plan till they get hit, lol. Studies show that a boxer’s punch is harder and faster than a kick.

[@terrytari1891]

When Botha fought Tyson, he gave Tyson a hard time!

[@terrytari1891]

@Salamah Channel Al-Maliki Quran&Hadith There is a lot of good Mexican heavy weights who are fat and good boxers. Some of them have won Heavy Weight Champion Skills!

[@e.c.9468]

Botha is the most basic fighter ever : his full fight was made with straight one-two... and it worked

[@reinforcer9000]

Basics win fights

[@Gematrinator]

Fundementals to a T lol

[@edwardwelsch5893]

Wrong. He was throwing right hooks and overhand rights as well, which is what dropped Le Banner in the second.

[@MAC-tw6jq]

All his fights were 1-2….1-2…. Hoho. Hoho. but it works great fighter

[@gf2390]

He has a lot more tools than that. You just see punches. If winning was about weapons Ali wouldnt be great and Mayweather wouldve lost.

[@fshalor738]

That full body wobble! Someone got rocked! I love the Stand On Ropes sign of dominance at the end before the extra round. This is Good Fight definition.

[@scarhart53]

You could see the boxer realizing that the kicker couldn't hurt him, not with his feet or his fists. After that it was just a matter of getting in close enough to land his own punches.

[@leemarcescover2739]

noticed that too..kickboxer should have capitalized on his kicks!

[@radec1744]

​@@leemarcescover2739JLB always focused on his jab to open things up he was a right hand dominant southpaw

[@kraiguarsmith2897]

Botha, is a Legend!

[@lastrada52]

If Botha had perfected more than 1-2 punches he may have kept Jerome off balance long enough to score a solid KO. But 1-2 is good in basic fights, it's not always effective with pros who will come forward regardless like Marciano, Tyson, Dempsey, Foreman, Frazier, or even Ali. Combinations, jabs & hooks are needed. Jerome, like most kickboxers, despite his fine physique & conditioning, depends mostly on his feet. He throws telegraphing punches with not much power behind them. Botha doesn't. He holds his arms close to his body & many times throws punches from his shoulders. If you look closely at the good camera work Botha is always focused on his opponent even when under assault. I'm convinced Botha knew when a leg was coming up & deflected it. The sign of a great fighter. Both men did exceptionally well. Jerome, having received a solid punch that stunned him, recuperated, and shook off the cobwebs without losing his head. Much to be admired since Botha doesn't throw light punches & the majority are calculated. Botha appeared quite "fresh" even towards the end because he looked as if he paced himself well. He didn't waste a single punch though some went wild -- in the heat of a fight, it will happen. Both men are obviously skillful & I applaud them both. There wasn't a dull moment.

[@shanghunter7697]

Very well stated !!

[@boston7704]

Damn good analysis. Jerome didn’t protect his head as well as Botha, but this was an awesome fight to watch. Hitting Botha must be like hitting a stone wall!

[@lastrada52]

@@boston7704 - Just ask Mike Tyson. He seemed frustrated when he hit Botha & he just kept coming, Of course, Mike finally got lucky and landed a solid single shot but he hugged Botha at the end because I think Mike was genuinely concerned this fight could've been lost. You're right about Jerome not protecting his head well. He's a kickboxer, not a double-fisted-fighter.

[@marcbodi]

1-2 as in hu - hu .. too much grunting..and mis hits

[@asdadfafafafffallslsldd8068]

Botha landed most of his 1-2s though.. JLB is a great offensive fighter, but has almost 0 defence. Botha just didn't have enough power to capitalize on it outside of the knockdown. Didn't look like JLB had too much respect for Botha's power even after the knockdown.

[@tonyjones1560]

It really looked like, in that slow motion, Botha responded to a kick in the head with a smile…

[@novallis4028]

How old was Botha in this fight? The guy is a beast!!! Monster!!! 👊🏽

[@IveJustHadAPiss]

Mid-30s

[@erepsekahs]

Yes, and a really dirty fighter.

[@davethorstry6700]

@@erepsekahs oh shame!

[@leaonardland9001]

@@erepsekahs It was Tyson who was the dirty fighter when they fought. Tyson grabbed Botha's arm ina clinch and tried to bend it backwards to break it.

[@erepsekahs]

@@leaonardland9001 Have a nice day Leonard.

[@anomax18]

Within a year, Lebanner had a second operation on his right arm and before the fight he was complaining of pain (look at the number of times he shakes his arm to ease the pain). In his corner at the end of the second round, Lebanner says "Je suis mort, je suis mort" (I am so tired) After the fight the organization took Lebanner to the hospital to get an x-ray, he actually had a huge tendonitis. You should also know that this same year, Lebanner lost his mother and was very hard morally. Botha is a good fighter and a real warrior but he would never have passed an in-form Jerome in k-1 rules.

[@roddas26]

Those are some great excuses. Pretty sure the fact he didn't get an early knock out was not expected? Botha is a tough individual.

[@jonathanlivingstonseagull3378]

I fought a long time ago in the 70s and one of the things I learnt was that if you step in the ring you are fit to fight, that's it. No Ifs or buts, you are fit to fight.

[@makingwaves1239]

He showed up in the ring at fight night. If he thought he was not fit for competition, he shouldn't do so. Everything else is excuses. You say Botha wouldn't survive under K1-rules. Maybe ... but I also think Botha would have f**** him up in a pure boxing match. Personally I don't like those cross fights. Maybe Botha needed the money, but I don't think old boxers or K1/MMA fighters for that sake, should keep fighting when they should retire instead.

[@thierrywhuttt]

@@makingwaves1239 i agree but not fully. It still made a good fight in my humble opinion and both were tough as nails 😅

[@marcpulster5404]

he also beat Peter Aerts, whats your excuse for that one?

[@wrknathome9254]

Goodness, how old is Botha? I'm 53 and i remember watching him 30 + years ago.

[@joshuagarvey9362]

The old 1,2 combo still works.

[@khav11]

every time especially when you're against a weaker boxer

[@nigeljackson1987]

Botha the og of fighting the man just loves fighting.

[@PrimeMatt]

Strange that JLB hardly used any leg kicks? Maybe he wanted to see if he could box a boxer?

[@robertjohnston8690]

He used a few but looked totally gassed out by the third round

[@kevthegoat8774]

He never was much of a kicker

[@kennashley953]

No leg kicks in kickboxing,body shot,not leg

[@maveldospallie9596]

Le banner was part of holyfield sparring team once. Don king his promotor. He got sacked because of a glass chin. So he can defenitely box a boxer

[@TheChiconspiracy]

@@kennashley953 K1 had plenty of leg kicks, what are you talking about? Guys like Ernesto Hoost even won fights with them.

[@skankinmat1]

frustrating to watch this for the Xth time and still wonder why Le Banner wasnt spamming body kicks the entire fight instead of crashing range, crowding his punches and giving Botha a chance to use the only weapons he had in this fight.

[@abdelnoor2309]

Exactement

[@samle8260]

Cos he is a loser... cant even go 4 rounds with the old white buffolo

[@quaterstruckersllc2264]

Botha was defensively prepared , his one two made him reset quickly without exposing himself . Also ate the kicks well and the banner never recovered from the knock down . Body punches was crazy too. Botha looked like he was getting better as the fight went . Too fast too powerful

[@louduva9849]

Cry more!

[@skankinmat1]

@@louduva9849 Cry more ?

[@grabir01]

Wow! Old man is fast as heck! Packs the power, speed, and accuracy. Banner should have used more kicks as this would have won the fight for him. Looked like Botha could not defend the kicks so well.

[@RogerThat1945]

@Alex Green The decreasig ability to withstand a headbang is also a factor.

[@perezjean-christophe8541]

Le banner didnt training before this fight, he was hurt...but hé accepte thé fight

[@jeffmoppi]

Botha was in his mid 30s 😂

[@Vortexafternoon]

White Buffalo Botha for a reason. This guy was tough as nails. A real friggin brawler.

[@Daniel_Antonio_Arellano782]

Props to Botha. The man has fought the best in the world in boxing now in kick boxing.

[@TheMagnificent1903]

Le banner is 70-12 and literally an atg while Botha was 36 and way passed it. Kickboxers would get smoked by prime boxers.

[@lioneloconnor4785]

Wise move by Le Banner! He came back stronger.

[@timothysullivan4495]

I met Francois in Newport Beach. A real warrior with a heart of Gold.

[@tamfuwing1]

The music always reminds me of Andy Hug.

[@davidfarrez1689]

Malgré tout c'était pas un guignol il était un adversaire déterminé et a prendre au sérieux c'était quelqu'un le Botha..!

[@QueensJack]

Never thought it would turn out that way after knowing some of the competition Le Banner has met and beat since Botha was a boxer only and long out of being a contender in that sport and had no idea at the age he was that he'd continue in the UFC.. After continuously seeing the thumbnail for this video I finally watched it expecting Botha to be out classed because of his age and only knowing how to box but I guess a hard hitter always has a chance to win judging by this fight outcome...

[@sonofamountie]

I think you have Francois Botha mixed up with Pierre Botha. Francois was never in the UFC. And Pierre was a Featherweight.

[@wouldntyouliketoknow1477]

@@sonofamountie I was trying very hard to recall if I have seen Francois in the ufc

[@bjornbjorn8235]

Le Banner is a K1 legend and dicerves a lot of respect. That being said, you say Botha is "a boxer only" This is not the first time, and not the last time "boxers only" Beats guys with kickboxing and karate backgrounds. Dont underestimate boxers. Just ask Mcgregor. Have a nice day sir.

[@markshanahan8147]

@@bjornbjorn8235 Former Boxing WBO Heavyweight Champ Ray Mercer with a record of 36 - 7, at the age of 48 put OUT COLD, Tim Sylvia, former UFC Heavyweight Champ with a record of 24-6 in MMA at the time and was 35 years old. They fought in MMA. I know you know but I just wanted to attach it to your comment :)

[@bjornbjorn8235]

@@markshanahan8147 Thank you sir. have a nice day.

[@Bobbynutty]

This is a blast from the past

[@davidsmajda6021]

Toughest Frenchman I've ever seen.

[@geraldfriend256]

Icy what you did there

[@juju2213]

2 belles bêtes de sport ❤❤❤❤❤ Nostalgie ...

[@lazur1]

Botha didn't throw any kicks, but he must've trained a lot to take them without flinching. Leg kicks will put down a fighter who hasn't prepared for them. Much credit to both men.

[@bossmodus5020]

Its 2003 Fight 🤦🤦🤦

[@scottyjohnson9399]

@@bossmodus5020 2004

[@paulchilders9969]

He threw a couple of them, but he gave up on them.

[@idiosyncraticRyugu]

he legit threw the first kick in the fight... xD

[@kevinmahon7848]

Tha quickest way to the Chin is still a straight punch. The entirety of Bothas Boxing career was on display here.

[@demonfire6666]

Mad props to the grey chin whiskers..Botha has been around LONG TIME..He deserves respect from any fighter.. Especially at his age

[@DavidChapman-hu2eq]

The white buffalo is one hell of a tough hombre

[@shaunpreston3212]

Just goes to show its easy giving it but then you gotta take it! Botha always has done that! Been in with far better men than that his opponent gave in as soon as he got hurt!

[@stanweaver6116]

I was so glad to see that towel thrown in, that man was hurt bad but finished the fight. He was beat fair and square and couldn’t believe they gave him a draw. The judges were hacks.

[@jesseribbey]

There was no towel thrown in. I'm guessing you meant it as an euphemism instead of saying he quit or gave up.

[@stanweaver6116]

@@jesseribbey They actually did throw it in as an afterthought though he had already refused to continue.

[@DJTechnoboom]

@@jesseribbey they throw the towel in at the end it's a rule and the reff asks them to do it

[@jesseribbey]

Ok cool. That makes sense then. Thanks for the explanation.

[@Motorsportsinjapan]

@Glory Kickboxing, not a fair statement considering LeBanner's mother passed away the week before. He still showed up but his heart understandably wasn't in it.

[@johnc.8298]

Once you're in the ring you don't think about anything other than fighting. Even in the corner between rounds I never once thought about my wife sitting in the audience.

[@Motorsportsinjapan]

@@johnc.8298 I know mate, been there may times, but it effects the prep and everything else.

[@elorn9566]

Manifestement, Jérôme n'était pas prêt physiquement. Respect à François Botha qui est un grand boxeur !

[@inSaNe_44]

Strange fight though...good job Botha, he was ready to fight 2 more rounds if needed!

[@markokada7311]

Jerome underestimated the punching power of Francois. Francois's punching was quick, accurate & powerful, & well delivered to Jerome's face.. From Jerome point of view, he should've executed his persistent low kick to his opponent's calf & thigh from the beginning. Then Jerome could've won against Francois?! Just my rather foolish speculation though??!! This proves a boxer sometimes can win over a kick boxer. (04/27/22) .

[@danny24042002]

he underestimated the power of a world class heavyweight boxer🤔? can you be more braindead

[@gibs2b]

Maybe but... end of 2003 Le Banner had a bone graft on his left forearm and during the match he had a problem with his left forearm. After a radiography at the end of the match he was diagnosed with a tendonitis on his left forearm.

[@markokada7311]

@@gibs2b It's kind of you to let me know that fact on Le Banner!!!,,,,,I'm much obliged,,,,,Stay safe & healthy amidst the dire plight precipitated by the COVID 19 & its variants,,,,,Have a marvelous day wherever you are,,,,,,From Tokyo,,,,,,(10/31/22)

[@gibs2b]

@@markokada7311 Thanks bro. Take care of you too.

[@fitofight8540]

If a boxer can defend the kick and the knees , then he can beat a kickboxer.

[@jarulejunior3222]

But he can’t that’s a fact live with it

[@FilipeCzech1986]

If if if... It just theory. 😁

[@jeremyjackson8196]

Those guys are called kickboxers

[@michalslepcik1931]

Le banner had no respect 4Botha&underestimate him is well! Le banner surely wasn't prep for an extra round&Botha would not mind an extra ☝️round so🤔 Well deserved win Botha

[@elyserva7903]

@@michalslepcik1931 I think so too. While Le Banner looks gassed out, Botha could still go another round. This guy fought the best of his generation.

[@charlietreston4035]

Never under-estimate a boer

[@marthinusbyleveld5012]

So too never underestimate an African American/British . Lennox , Evander , Ali , Bruno , Bowe , Foreman , Tyson this is only a few of the many heavyweight champions . GERRIE COETZEE , CORRIE SAUNDERS only two mentionable that couldn't defend their titles as well the other two BOTHA and BERNADO not even mentionable .

[@sujitsharma4346]

Yup he'd just pull out a rifle and shoot unarmed kids and women

[@liquidflow6541]

To win a fight only wit 1-2 combo deserves respect

[@dsean766]

Both good fighters

[@matthewvail2374]

The White Rhino! Good to see his great ONE-TWO in the ring again, he nailed Mike Tyson with that two punch combo a lot.

[@robthomas3811]

It’s the white buffalo not the white rhino. White rhino is a strain of weed

[@travzimmerman1340]

Casuals always bring up Tyson

[@Mike007_]

Totaly crazy, after the first round you think the kickboxer destroy him and then this xD.

[@mynameisearl1777]

YAWWWWWWN!!!! still waiting for stunning part

[@tomneidher]

I've seen Jerome Le Banner in many matches. And here something wrong with Jerome ?? Is he sick or injured? I've never seen him stop like that.

[@swansmeister]

he was on a bad roid cycle.

[@TheDifferentJay]

I've seen Jerome Le Banner refusing to fight an extra round in another match, I think it was against a Japanese fighter but I could be wrong. He stormed out of the ring, it seemed that he thought he won the fight but he was definitely gassed out in that match, he definitely would of lost that extra round, not enough stamina left. Here's the link for that fight kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmHbiKtuaMqEg68

[@MrKveite1]

@@Fenris554 Nah that wasnt the problem, he was gassed out to the bone and could hardly stand up on his own, all those roid muscles are heavy and demands a really good stamina and he didnt have that and the tank was empty. Plain and simple.

[@juniorgeerootednbootedcov6134]

Those liver shots and the roids were the clincher

[@TheDifferentJay]

@@MrKveite1 he definitely didn't have enough gas left, roids heavily impacts your cardio/stamina and all that muscle needs extra oxygen to perform, unless he would of took EPO to help create more red blood cells to carry more oxygen but that shit is risky as fuck when you abuse it, but so is juicing.

[@ThehulkGreen]

Both are such tough men.

[@flowrepins6663]

its a match up thing. mighty moe beated him using hands only

[@emiller9426]

Jerome had a good start but got winded too soon and was much less the fighter after that. He's carrying around too much muscle for his frame. It does him no good except sap his energy.

[@TadeSLO]

Botha is Viking. Respect

[@danielpotyok7446]

I can't believe at his age Botha fought a young stud in a kickboxing match and held his own when he pretty clearly can't get his foot above his hip. That's impressive balls and toughness.

[@fab6516]

I love François BOTHA !

[@SamDégoûteDePluie]

Gros respect à Mr Le Banner, sacré combattant !!!

[@DinoWasHere]

I love the music between the rounds....any idea where I can get that?

[@alistairbanks6595]

Botha was too quick for him, even the basic one-two and he couldn't stop it. LeBanner just quit. Sad.

[@shaadydog1]

He gassed in the first rd…

[@g.freecss7382]

The voice he makes when he punches is so cute🤗

[@davutdavut6662]

Le Banner hayatında yediği en ağır darbeleri yedi tabi ki, devam edemedi. Hakemlerin uzatma raunduna götürmeleri bile hata idi. Banner açık şekilde yenikti. Bota Mike Tyson'la maç yapmış bir adam. Banner'ın yumrukları vız geldi. O yüzden gülüyordu Banner'ın haline. Banner neyine güveniyorsa kafasını sabit tuttu hep. Bota bu hatayı affetmedi.

[@MrMaxLions]

Botha harbiden tank gibi adam Le Banneri amatöre benzetti

[@davutdavut6662]

@@MrMaxLions evet Bota'nın karşısında Banner amatör kaldı. Şuurunu kökünden sarstı Banner'ın. O ilk esaslı yumruğu yedikten sonra delikanlılığa bok sürdürmemek için devam etti Banner. Şuurunu toplayınca zaten devam etmeme kararı aldı. Kendisinin eforu tükenmiş bacakları puding olmuştu. Bota ise 12 raunda göre dayanıklı bir boksördü, yakıtını iyi sakladı son raunda, cephanesi de doluydu. O pozisyonda puding olmuş Banner'a esaslı bir tane daha vursa Banner'ı sedyeyle ringden çıkartırlardı, Banner bunu anladı.

[@nothing2chere324]

Jerome le banner was my idol back in the days when we didnt know mma in eu all we got sometimes was k1.. when i heared it will be on tv i sneaked there in middle of night with my 13 years or so...... i cant tell you year but would guess between 98-02 i started watching him and peter aertz

[@maverick-mma]

Funny Botha won by just 1-2. Jab and uppercut in the last round!

[@joesphruggiero3707]

Botha was beast in boxing and kick boxing that's so hard

[@Azamat_Chinasov]

Копец, Жером сдох! Бота зверь. В таком возрасте.

[@unreinster]

Да, учитывая, что он уже явно не в расцвете сил и не в своём виде спорта. Крепкий мужик, никогда никого не боялся, дрался с лучшими своего времени.

[@GuyFromTheSouth]

Botha was boxing Mike Tysons head off before Tyson landed a good right hand. Botha is a really good boxer.

[@mfgreviews5028]

Thats how many Tyson fights went. He got out boxed until his opponent made a critical mistake to land a big punch

[@travzimmerman1340]

​@@mfgreviews5028 Not at all. Clueless!!!

[@Jeroensgambling]

Mind you, Francois Botha took it against Mike Tyson, lost due to a severe knockout to the chin by Iron Mike.

[@Jeroensgambling]

@red vegiesoup That punch mike delivered was devastating and ended the complete fight just like that.

[@notshared4072]

@red vegiesoup Wait, what? Botha, Tyson, and Lebanner are all still alive.

[@ブイブイ-c1w]

2004年かぁ〜この頃は本当に熱くなったよな😊

[@normandoughty8737]

I've seen LA Banner not fight a 4th round several times. He's so spent he knew he'd be KO'd.

[@marcellointraina4887]

It's me, or is Botha grinning after taking tremendous blows ? Awesome !

[@marvist.8835]

Botha took abuse from a roided up K-1 legend, and he loved it! He fought the best in the world during his boxing career, so this fight was just another day at the office for him.

[@michaeldelio1870]

I'm a boxing fan, but I like the kickboxing sport too. This fighter was very composed, even after a big shot.

[@torrokasparov2210]

Francois showed Jerome his limits !!

[@gibs2b]

Not really... End of 2003 Le Banner had a bone graft on his left forearm and during the match he had a problem with his left forearm. After a radiography at the end of the match he was diagnosed with a tendonitis on his left forearm.

[@DJTechnoboom]

boxer guy was just eating them head kicks, guy is a beast

[@vl292]

It's amazing how heavy hitters even old heavyweights are, well atleast those who were heavy hitters when young. But wtf, a draw? This other bloke was active yes but not effective, Botha blocked most of it. Absurd.

[@scottyjohnson9399]

I almost see where your coming from. But the Less active person was tough enough to hide how much those kicks hurt. Just think of working a 12 hour warehouse shift for 2 weeks straight. THEN multiply all the sore spots by 100x if not more.

[@alanleemaxwell831]

Props to Botha, the man knows no fear...

[@ДмитрийДедусь-з2з]

Бота из бокса танк мощный👍

[@joseortega9889]

So the ole man still has huh, well good for you Francis. That was some nice boxing there buddy "TRUTH!!"💪👍🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼✌🏻

[@jeremyjackson8196]

Back when steroids in combat sports was just a dirty rumor

[@zangsax]

Jerome “roid rage” Le Banner

[@DWINC]

Overeem was the roid king ;)

[@jerrymonaco7409]

Some people still think professional athletes don't take ped's 🤦

[@kingkobra18]

🤣

[@jeremyjackson8196]

@@DWINC Nooooo, he got that way from a strict diet of horse meat.

[@IansDrumsandBass]

Botha so tough those kicks would've crippled most of us, let's not even talk about those head kicks. Damm dudes like a tank.

[@Guinea54]

Let's be real. Botha in his prime and youth wasn't a top tier fighter. But he is a tough guy who has been in there with the best of them. If the kickboxer can't take out the legs or use their other weapons effectively they will have a hard time against a pro boxer.. Even an out of prime Botha.