Lubega weighs in at 79.5kg

By James Bakama & Silvano Kibuuka

Today: WBCI L/heavy title
Joseph  Lubega v Hanny Atiyo

ABC bantamweight title
S. Kizito v A. Mohammed

WBCI L/middle
Semata v Karakyriacos

Joseph Lubega strongly believes he is in shape to retain the World Boxing Council International light heavyweight title.

“I just can’t wait for the gong to sound. I urge Ugandans to come in big numbers and be part of this victory,” said Lubega ahead of tonight’s title defense against Atiyo Hanny at Kyadondo rugby ground.

Lubega has seriously been training for months and was disappointed a fortnight ago when the fight was postponed. Lubega on Thursday weighed 79.5 kilograms while Atiyo (right)was 0.5kg lighter.true

Speaking after the weighing at Zion Hotel, an equally upbeat Atiyo also warned Lubega. “Lubega has been talking a lot but he is going to be surprised,” said Atiyo, whose only loss in an impressive 14 (10kos)-1-0 was to Lubega last year.

“I had psychological problems when Lubega ambushed me in Egypt. It will be a different story in Kampala,” warned the orthodox fighter.

Lubega has 15 wins, eight of them by knock-out, six losses and one draw. He won the WBC International title after knocking out Kirt Sinnette in Trinidad and Tobago.

Dubbed the Rwenzori Boxing Gala, the night will also have Sande “Swico” Kizito taking on another Egyptian Ates Mohamed in an Africa bantamweight non-title fight. Muay thai kick boxer Umar Semata will also face Australian Rhys Karakyriakos in a WBC International light middleweight contest.

Should Lubega beat Atiya he will have his chances of getting a shot at the main WBC title boosted.