Following his debut first-round knockout over Ronald Kisakye, heavyweight Akhiru Golooba is plotting his second knockout in professional boxing against rival Elijah Kakembo.

Golooba commonly known in boxing circles as ‘Atta Soja’ and backed by Shadir Musa Bwogi’s SMG promotions takes on Kakembo on April 27th at Club Obligato in Kampala in a clash of the titans heavyweight contest.

The vocal orthodox fighter is currently undergoing intense training at COBAP Boxing Club under national team coach Lawrence Kalyango alias ‘Coach Lora’.

To Golooba, his mission is to revive Uganda’s heavyweight division that has for years been hit with a snag both in the pro ranks and amateur (open boxing) since Abdul Sabata’s 1990 Commonwealth Games bronze medal.

Akhiru Golooba trains with his coach Lawrence Kalyango

“Over the years, Uganda’s heavyweight division has been down in terms of winning medals and titles. That is why I opted to fight in this division. I know it requires sacrifice, but trust me I will reach there Inshallah,” he said.

“My mission is to revive this division by winning Uganda prestigious titles around the globe. Currently, the heavyweight division tops the boxing world over with the likes of Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Oleksandr Uysk, and Deontay Wilder setting the pace”

The vocal orthodox fighter who has adapted to life in pro boxing has made his name in Ugandan boxing circles with his closeness to his spouse Vivian Nuwahereza who serves as his manager, timekeeper, fellow trainee, and nutritional adviser.

Coach Lawrence Kalyango who has groomed many of Uganda’s boxing talent says Golooba has all it takes to punch his way to the top.

Kalyango has groomed boxers such as USA-based Ismail Muwendo, Brian Mayanja, a 2006 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, 2019 African Games featherweight silver medalist Isaac Masembe, hard puncher Yusuf ‘The Rolling Tiger’ Babu, former bomber (National boxing team) captain Rodger Ssemitala among others.

“What makes a good boxer is first of all discipline and their commitment to hard work. Then his talent, family support, and neglect to drug use plus women add an ice on the cake. I’m happy Golooba has all of them,” Kalyango noted.

“To me, he is a champion in the making and very soon he will be up there.”