The World Boxing Federation All-Africa heavyweight champion Shafik Kiwanuka has said that he lacks sparring partners in his category that could make him improve his strength and tactics.

Kiwanuka disclosed this at a press briefing held at the International University of East Africa as he narrated his experience in the fight against South Africa’s Chris Thomson.

“All the heavyweight boxers around are cowards. They fear sparring with me yet I need them to experience tough opposition before I go for actual fights,” Kiwanuka said.

He cited Musa Ntege and Onyango Ignatius who are the only heavyweight boxers that do spire with him together with Saul Male, Muhammad Kabona (middleweight) who help him on speed.

Uganda Professional Boxing Commision presdident Salim Uhuru hands over sh1m appreciation to boxer Shafik Kiwanuka as coach Abdul Tebazalwa,UPBC treasurer Maureen Mulangira (L) and Vice president Abbey Mugayi (R) look on

Thompson fight

Kiwanuka also promised to knockout Thompson if the rematch is organised.

“First, I apologize to Ugandans who were expecting a knockout. However, next time if a rematch is organised, I will knock him down,” Kiwanuka said.

“I had taken two years without a fight because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and I also learned of the fight in less than a month. So, I had to be cautious, but he will test the wrath of the killing machine in a rematch if organised,” he added.

He, however, added that he is going to embark on serious training having got his feeding costs covered by Uhuru restaurant.

IUEA Director Hassan Alwi (C) with World Boxing Federation All Africa Heavyweight champion Shafik Kiwanuka (L) and coach Abdul Tebazalwa (R)

With a record of three wins and a draw in four fights, the IUEA sponsored professional boxer pledged to work on his weight and punch strength.

The International University of East Africa (IUEA) director Hassan Alwi promised full support to Kiwanuka but urged him to also focus on education.

UPBC president Salim Uhuru thanked Kiwanuka for flying the Uganda flag high and pledged his commission’s full support to the boxers.

He later handed over sh1m and while coach Abdul Tebazalwa, manager Emmanuel Mwesigwa received each sh200,000 each and John Sserunjogi sh300,000 appreciation from UPBC.