Heavyweight boxer Yusuf Babu vows to start his professional debut on a winning note.

Named ‘The rolling tiger’, Babu, a former captain of the national boxing team ‘The bombers’ revealed this after announcing his venture into the paid ranks.

Signed under 12 rounds boxing promotions, Babu becomes the latest professional boxing prospect to join the same entity as Olympians David Ssemujju and Shadir Musa Bwogi.

“Turning professional has been on top of my agenda. It was a matter of time. I’m here to conquer and sweep away all my opponents in this weight,” says Babu.

Babu (left) tusstling it out with Kenneth Mubaazi (right) during National Open Boxing Championships recently.Photo by Fred Kisekka

The COBAP Boxing Club groomed pugilist has put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

He is set to make his debut on October 15 at the MTN Arena in Lugogo, taking on veteran Hudson Muhumuza.

“Im not scared of Muhumuza.I once had a sparring training session with him. I’m ready to retire him,” said Babu.

The fearless hard puncher comes into the paying ranks having dominated the middleweight, light heavy, and heavyweight categories during his amateur stint.

He won the bombers two gold medals at the Bingwa wa Mabingwa boxing tournament in Tanzania in 2016 and 2017 respectively and three-time National open boxing championship gold medalist.

Yusuf Babu (left) taking on Joseph Kalule (right) in a training session

He was part of the bombers team that the defied odds at the 2017 Africa boxing championships in Congo Brazzaville where he lost a split decision at the quarters to Egyptian Hosam Bakr Abdin the then Africa’s middleweight seed one.

Lawrence Kalyango, his coach at boyhood club COBAP believes, “Babu has what it takes to become a world champion, he fears no one. His talent is unique.”

A new heavyweight rivalry

Forget about Zebra Ssenyange (rip) vs Haruna Ddiba ‘Banabana’ boxing rivalry or Mudde Ntambi vs Mustafah Mongolia, the country is set for another one in Babu vs Shafic Kiwanuka ‘Killing Machine’

Babu’s entry into professional boxing ranks leaves vocal heavyweight Kiwanuka with sleepless nights since there is a new lion in town.

Kiwanuka has been at the top in the division and will now face a new challenger of his stature.

Both fighters are still young, and energetic, vying for world titles.

To worsen it, they are coming from two rival boxing promotion companies.

While Kiwanuka is signed under great strikers International, Babu is a new acquisition of 12 sports rounds that was formed to rival the former.

12 sports rounds proprietor Sembuya enjoyed a short stint at great strikers before bitterly falling out with them.

“Let’s welcome the best heavyweight in the country. He is ready to clean the division not only in Uganda but also at the bigger stage.”

“His amateur record is unmatched. Many boxing fans have been demanding him and we have decided to give them what they want. All I can assure you is fireworks.” Said Sembuya.