Jayden Magulu Jr aims to make history at USA Junior Olympics Championship

Uganda’s budding boxing sensation, Jayden Magulu Jr, is set to rewrite history by becoming the first African to compete in the USA Junior Olympics Championship.

The prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place from May 16–17 at the iconic Sonny's Boxing & Fitness Arena in New England, USA.

Over 1,200 young boxers aged 10–17 from around the world will battle to punch their way to the finals and qualify for the USA National Junior Olympics and Summer Festival, slated for June 20 to July 27, 2026.

Magulu Jr, 12, who in January became the first African boxing youngster to sign with the renowned Texas-based KFB Boxing Academy, is confident and ready to showcase his potential on the international stage.

“I feel privileged to fight against some of the best young boxers in the world. It’s an opportunity I cannot take for granted. My target here is to win gold and qualify for the USA National Junior Olympics,” Magulu Jr, who will fight under the Uppercuts Boxing Gym, told Vision Sport via a WhatsApp call.

His father, Steven Sembuya, expressed confidence in his son’s preparation ahead of the championship.

“Ever since my son arrived in the USA, he has been training daily. I can assure you he is more than ready, and you can count on him.”

The USA Junior Olympics will provide a stern test for the former Kampala Parents School pugilist, who has already impressed on the international stage.

His standout performance came during last year’s People’s Fighters Kids Boxing Championship in Dubai, where he won gold and caught the attention of several international boxing promoters. In Dubai, Magulu Jr not only claimed gold but also emerged as the only African youngster to achieve the feat, further cementing his status as Uganda’s top boxing prospect.