Kyakonye eyes BeNeLux title in high stakes showdown

Fresh off his stunning victory to claim the World Boxing Federation (WBF) heavyweight title, Uganda’s Willy “The Ring Tiger” Kyakonye is set to return to the ring this Saturday, June 16, to battle for the BeNeLux title.

The action will unfold under the floodlights of the renowned Sportworx Arena in Utrecht, Netherlands, where Kyakonye will face Belgium-based Cameroonian Michael Essomba in what promises to be a thrilling, action-packed bout.

Just 29 days ago, Kyakonye delivered a sensational first-round knockout against Venezuela’s Wilmer Vasquez, sealing the WBF title in just 2 minutes and 51 seconds on May 17, 2025. Now, he’s back with his sights set on another belt.

The BeNeLux title fight is scheduled for ten intense rounds and will feature another Ugandan on the card-featherweight Fazil “Heaven Sent” Juma.

Ranked eighth among the world’s top ten heavyweight titleholders by both The Ring Magazine and BoxRec, Kyakonye enters the bout with an unblemished record of 12 wins, 0 losses, and 0 draws (12-0-0). Confident and focused, he’s ready to add another trophy to his growing collection.

“Essomba is a good fighter, but he picked the wrong opponent,” Kyakonye told Vision Sport. “I’m a nightmare for everyone in the heavyweight division. He’s going to regret stepping in the ring with me.”

“I declared 2025 my year, and I meant it. I’ve already won the WBF title, and now I’m adding another baby to my trophy cabinet this Saturday. See you there, my fans.”

Kyakonye believes his quick return to the ring gives him an edge over Essomba (10-1-0), whose last fight was a second-round TKO win over Georgia’s Tornike Puritchamiashvili.

“I don’t feel any fatigue. In fact, returning this soon works in my favor. Essomba might be dealing with ring rust, while I’m still sharp and in top form.”

Looking ahead, the former Lukanga and Kololo Boxing Club fighter has his eyes on the global elite, including Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning unified and undisputed heavyweight world champion.

Meanwhile, Fazil Juma (7-0-0) is also aiming to extend his unbeaten streak as he faces crafty Briton Connor Adaway. Juma, who is targeting a shot at the Dutch featherweight title, is brimming with confidence.

“I’ve trained hard and I’m ready. My goal is to defeat Adaway and position myself for the Dutch title. After that, I’ll focus on continental belts,” Juma said.