Golola, Semata serve pre-match brawl ahead of Nakivubo opening

Kickboxers Moses Golola and Umar Semata could not wait for the official bell to sound as they exchanged words during a press conference at Nakivubo stadium ahead of their third meeting in the ring on Saturday.

Like is always at most pre-fight press conferences; this one also served the same drama, with the two fighters almost engaged in a real brawl which was only stopped by their fans.

Umar Semata stands on a table as things heated up during the pre-fight promotional press conference. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

Their encounter is one of the sports items lined up as the Hamz Nakivubo War Memorial stadium opens up for the public following eight years of refurbishment.

The near brawl followed a question by one of the journalists to Golola on whether this was the fight that would finally send him into retirement.

An enraged Golola jumped up and banged tables as Semata spoke and was only restrained from attacking him by fans who led him out of the venue. End of the press conference!

Moses Golola is restrained during a press conference at Nakivubo, May 28, 2024. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“I respect Semata because he is a legend and has been fighting all over the country but we are going to rumble on Saturday. We are going to use neutral referees from Kenya so that there are no excuses from anyone,” Golola said.

Golola had arrived at the venue much earlier and addressed the press in the absence of his opponent who arrived late.

“We thank Ham for the good deeds and what he has done in putting up such a facility. We are the ones who are going to re-open the War Memorial Stadium not with bullets but with a clash of the titans.

Isaac Ssenyange (left) and Abas Seguya (right) pose with match maker Faisal Ali during the pre-fight press conference at Nakivubo, May 28, 2024. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“This stadium has been constructed for the new generation so I call upon the government to invest more in sports and such facilities

“I’m going to test Semata with punches and kicks and he should be ready for the beating. We want to take this sport to the next level and everyone including the Parliament of Uganda should ensure sport is professionalised so that the youth can benefit from their talents,”

“I’m going to fight from the ‘anther to the stigma’ and I’m not about to retire because I have to organize fights in this facility alongside other fighters,” Golola stated in his usual comical way.

Semata who is coming off two fights in Beijing China promised to avenge his 2019 loss to Golola by beating him into submission.

Flavia Babirye (left) and Zahara Nandawula (right) pose with match maker Faisal Ali during the pre-fight press conference at Nakivubo, May 28, 2024. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

“I’m in my best shape and this time I’m going to put up my best and silence Golola,” Semata said. They will engage in three rounds of 3 minutes each.

Before the kickboxing match, Zahara Nandawula will take on Flavia Babirye in a women’s bout before Isaac Junior Ssenyange entertains Abas Sseguya in a ten-round National Superwelterweight title fight.

“I’m happy to be part of the cast for the opening of this fantastic stadium. Ham did a great job; I’m also going to put out my best to fight for the title. I’m going to put out a very brilliant performance and Ugandans should eagerly wait for the fight because it is going to be super fire; it is gonna be hot,” Ssenyange stated.

Abas Seguya aka ‘the emperor’ said he was also well prepared but I have to warn Ssenyange because he has done everything but I’m bad news and a man of action.

The girls were also talking big ahead of their curtain-raiser fights.

 “I have come to assure the public that I’m going to beat my opponent to a pulp because I have prepared well,” Babirye

“I have prepared well and I would like my opponent not to be excited by the stadium because I’m going to beat her because I’m always on the winning team. I expect only victory,” Nandawula retorted.