In the buildup to his much-anticipated heavyweight showdown with veteran Hudson Muhumuza, Yusuf Babu pledged never to make a single mistake that would grant his counterpart victory.

And indeed, he lived up to his word as he defeated Muhumuza on a night that marked his professional boxing debut.

Babu alias ‘The Ring Tiger’ outclassed, outfought and outsmarted Muhumuza to deservedly win this tricky heavyweight contest amidst a packed MTN Arena in Lugogo in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

His dominance of this six-round blockbuster earned him a standing ovation from the crowd.

Hudson Muhumuza dropped to the canvas three time during the fight. Photo by Fred Kisekka

With two rounds gone, Muhumuza wanted to capitalise on a cut that Babu had sustained on his left eye when he accidentally headbutted the latter in the first round, but his attempt fell short with Babu turning him into a punching bag for the rest of the rounds.

The former national boxing team captain successfully knocked down Muhumuza on three occasions but he managed to hang on and stay on his feet.

On the scorecard, judges ruled in Babu’s favour with scores of 58-52, 59-51 and 57-53.

“This is just a mere drop in the ocean of what my fans must expect from me. I came here to conquer this division not only in Uganda, but Africa in general” he said.

“I have retired Muhumuza so who is next to stand in my way?” Babu questioned.

“My target is to sweep everyone at home before I shift my focus to vie for continental and world belts,” he added.

This was Babu’s first fight since defeating experienced Emma Kyambadde at the finals of the National Open Boxing Championships in February 2019.

In the night’s main fight, Olympian David Ssemujju continued to enjoy a fine start to his professional career.

He knocked out Herbert Mugarura in the third round of their super welterweight contest.

Among other undercards, middleweight Saul Male defeated Abdul Njego on split decision, Conrad Sseruyange beat Moses Kakya by unanimous decision, while Abdul ‘Bast’ Mutyaba knocked out James Sinoba in the third round.