Sparks Boxing Club clinched their maiden National Novice Championship that climaxed over the weekend.

It was the first time the national novice championship returned since 2019.

This year’s championship kicked off from November 20 to 27.

45 clubs took part in the championship that rolled off at Lugogo hockey grounds before the event’s final was switched to a new ground at CFK Badminton Academy Hall in Kalerwe, a Kampala suburb.

Over 500 boxers showcased their skills in the Junior, Youth, and elite categories with Sparks Boxing Club emerging as the overall winner.

It is the first time the Kitintale-based club has cruised to this championship.

Their only success at the Uganda Open Boxing circles is winning the 2016 National Cadets Boxing Championship as well as emerging winners of the Junior Category at the 2019 National Intermediates Boxing Championship.

Finishing on 66 points overall, Sparks overcame competition from Nagulu-based East Coast Boxing Club, which had 61 COBAP Boxing Clubs and Lukanga followed with 57 and 56 in 3rd and 4th position respectively.

UPDF Boxing Club completed the top five.

To emerge champions Sparks won the junior category with 36 points, before finishing 5th both in the elite category and youth respectively.

Their Captain light welterweight Douglas Kalule played a vital role to see them sail through as a new kid on block Imran Kayemba who was named the best boxer of the tournament.

Bombers coach Lawrence Kalyango (left) recieving a trophy from UBF president Moses Muhangi (right)

Kayemba won gold in the junior pin weight 44 kgs. Other Sparks boxers who defied the odds include welterweight Stefan Musulebe in the junior category and light bantamweight Bennard Ochieng.

Skills Kalungi of Sparks Boxing Club was named the best coach of the tournament and lauded his teams for this success.

“Teamwork played a role in our success. We thank our fans and sponsors for their endless support. Our opponents must know we did not a fluke but showed them class, and we are here to stay,” Kalungi said.

Moses Muhangi, the Uganda Boxing Federation president commended the clubs for putting up a competitive show.

“This time, we have seen clubs competing on the same page. It’s a sign that the gap between traditional favourites and underdogs is closing,” Muhangi said.