BY JUMA ALI
The Uganda Boxing Federation concluded its National Open Championship, which saw Lukanga Boxing Club emerge as overall winners with 81 points in all categories.
The club was awarded a brand new motorcycle worth 6 million Ugandan shillings to help support the team’s training and development.
The tournament, which began on 3rd March, saw 450 players from various clubs across the country participate in different categories.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) came second in the tournament with 42 points. The team secured 11 points in the Juniors, 6 in the Youth, and 25 in the Elite category.
Other participating clubs were also given boxing tools like punching bags to aid their training.
Among the dignitaries present was the Ambassador of Cuba to Uganda, Her Excellency Tania Perez Xigues. The Cuban envoy lauded the efforts of the Uganda Boxing Federation in promoting sports in the country.
The event was also graced by officials and athletes from different sports disciplines, including rugby, a gesture that has bolstered cooperation amongst Sports Federations.
The tournament was a great success, and it showcased the immense talent that exists in Ugandan boxing.
It was also proof that with proper investment and support, the young boxers have the potential to excel both locally and internationally.
COBAP also put in a strong showing, earning 42 points overall, including 23 in juniors and 17 in youth.
The tournament was not without its surprises, however. Some of the smaller clubs managed to make their mark on the competition, with UPDF earning a total of 41 points, and Sparks racking up 32 points across all categories.
The Uganda Boxing Federation is optimistic that this tournament will inspire more youths to take up the sport and pursue their dreams.
After having only two fights in the last edition of the Boxing Champions league, Adnani Yasin was relegated to National opens to compete again for the Champions league places.
Adnani was beaten by Simon Sunday, who was also relegated from the Champions league in the yesterday final which brought many fans in disagree with the judges decision where many thought that Adnani, had an upper hand in wining that bout.
Though Adnani was beaten, he qualified for the Champions league for this season in the welterweight where he will meet boxers like Ukash Matovu, Owen Kibira and Simon Sunday.
After eight years, the former bombers captain, Mike Ssekambembe had a return to the ring though he won, he did not convince his fans with good show as he used to do. Sekabembe last fought for the bombers in 2015 in the World military games.
