Muhangi tasks Bombers to develop unique boxing identity

Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) President Moses Muhangi has tasked the national boxing team, the Bombers, with developing a unique boxing identity and style if they are to stand a realistic chance of winning medals at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Muhangi, who holds an International Technical Official (ITO) certification, made the remarks during his visit to the Bombers' training camp at Hamz Stadium Fitness Gym in Kampala, where the team is undergoing intensive preparations for the Games.

The UBF president was accompanied by National Council of Sports (NCS) Assistant General Secretary in charge of Technical Affairs, Milton Chebet, and NCS Boxing Secretary James Kasumba. The delegation observed the team's morning training session before donating training equipment, including gloves, headgears, and protective pads, to support their preparations.

While commending the team's physical conditioning and technical progress, Muhangi emphasised the need for the Bombers' coaching team to establish a recognisable fighting identity.

"I am impressed with the fitness levels and technical aspects of the team, but one area that requires urgent surgery is our lack of boxing identity and style," Muhangi noted.

He added: "The Russians, Congolese, and Zambians are known for their power. Boxers from the Maghreb region, Kazakhstan, and the United States are renowned for speed, while Japanese, Nigerians, and Mozambicans excel in endurance. I have not yet seen a distinct identity in our team. This is an area our coaches must fix quickly."

Chebet rallied the team for discipline and teamwork before confirming that the Government had fully catered for Team Uganda's preparations and participation expenses.

"Boxing is among the niche sports we are counting on to deliver medals at this year's Commonwealth Games. I can authoritatively confirm that Government has cleared all the necessary preparations for the entire contingent, and athletes' allowances will soon be deposited onto your accounts before departure," Chebet said.

Uganda will send a solid team of six boxers and two officials. The squad is led by newly appointed Bombers captain and welterweight Nuhu 'Batteso' Muzaata Batte, alongside lightweight Ibrahim Khemis, middleweight Alfred 'Gorilla' Ojok, heavyweight Abdul Azizi Hard alias 'Azizi Ringo', who is a grandson of former Ugandan president Idi Aminas well as She Bombers captain and welterweight Emily Nakalema and flyweight Angel Katushabe.

Lukanga Boxing Club head coach Twaibu Mayanja will be in charge of the team.

Overall, Uganda is expected to field more than 50 athletes across various disciplines. Athletics leads the way with 16 athletes, followed by the She Cranes netball team (12), boxing (6), 3x3 basketball (4), para-powerlifting (4), weightlifting (3), para-athletics (2), judo (2), and track cycling (1).