Idi Amin's grandson, Ringo's rise ignites West Nile boxing dream

Aziz 'Ringo' Abdul will return from Scotland without a victory, but his performance against British heavyweight Damar Thomas has delivered something equally valuable to West Nile: hope.

The 25-year-old boxing heavyweight's appearance on the international stage has reignited belief that the region can produce world-class boxers, with Arua City Boxing Club describing the contest as a watershed moment for grassroots boxing.

For club president Oshino Rashi Ejoyi, Ringo's journey is the fulfilment of a vision that began five years ago when the club was established to identify and nurture young talent.

"When we started this club, our dream was to make Arua, West Nile and Uganda known internationally through boxing. Today, that vision is beginning to become a reality," Ejoyi said.

Ringo's sporting journey began in martial arts before coaches encouraged him to switch to boxing after recognising his speed, power and natural fighting instincts.

The decision has paid off.

Arua City Boxing Club president Oshino Rashid Ejoyi. PHOTO: John Paul Opio

In just three years, the Arua-born fighter has risen through Uganda's heavyweight ranks to earn an opportunity to test himself against one of Britain's emerging stars. Although the contest ended in a controversial disqualification, his fearless performance has earned admiration both at home and beyond.

More than one champion

Ejoyi believes Ringo's success is only the beginning.

He revealed that several talented boxers from West Nile are currently training in Kampala and could soon compete for places on Uganda's national team.

"We have many talented fighters coming through. Ringo has shown them that boxing can take them to the Olympics and other international competitions," he said.

Among those tipped for future success is super heavyweight Razack Wakiso, whom the club believes has the potential to feature in upcoming Olympic qualification events.

Call for investment

Despite producing athletes capable of competing internationally, Ejoyi says inadequate funding remains the biggest hurdle facing boxing in the region.

He appealed to companies, financial institutions and development partners to invest in the sport, arguing that Ringo reached the global stage despite limited financial support and training resources.

"Azizi has achieved this with very little support. Imagine what these athletes could accomplish if they had proper sponsorship, equipment and exposure," he said.

Ejoyi added that the club is determined to change the long-held perception that boxing breeds violence, insisting that the sport is instead shaping disciplined young people, creating employment opportunities and transforming lives.

Father's pride

Ringo's father, Isa Abu, credited his son's rise to discipline, sacrifice and determination.

A respected martial arts pioneer himself, Abu said Ringo made the difficult decision to abandon professional driving and dedicate himself fully to boxing after realising where his future lay.

Ringo's father, Isa Abu, credited his son's rise to discipline, sacrifice and determination. PHOTO: John Paul Opio

"He made the right decision. Sports can transform lives, create employment and inspire other young people to follow their dreams," Abu said.

He urged parents to identify and support children's sporting talents instead of discouraging them from pursuing careers in sport.

A region rallies behind its son

Ringo's performance has also attracted praise from across West Nile.

Arua city ICT officer and SUIDAC Project focal person Denis Asiku described the boxer as a champion whose greatest strength will be his ability to learn from adversity.

"Champions aren't defined by how they win; they are defined by how they respond when the world throws chaos at them. Today, you let emotions take the wheel. Tomorrow, you take it back because the fighter who masters his mind will never be defeated," Asiku wrote on his social media platforms in a message congratulating Ringo.

The next round

With Olympic qualification events on the horizon, Arua City Boxing Club believes Ringo's international breakthrough has laid the foundation for a new generation of boxers from West Nile.

For the club, Scotland was never meant to be the destination. It was the beginning. If Ringo's journey has proved anything, it is that the next global boxing star could well emerge from a modest gym in Arua.