Ojok wins IBA title, aims to match Ssemujju’s boxing success
Ojok expressed confidence in following in the footsteps of David Ssemujju, aiming to bring Uganda more prestigious boxing medals.
Gorilla Alfred Ojok (left) posing with his IBA boxing gala middleweight belt along with UBF president Moses Muhangi. (courtesy photos)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
After clinching the International Boxing Association (IBA) middleweight title, Uganda’s rising boxing star Alfred ‘Gorilla’ Ojok has vowed to fill the void left by Olympian David Ssemujju.
The inaugural IBA pro night boxing gala, held in Tunisia’s capital Tunis over the weekend, marked a historic event. Ojok, who represented Uganda alongside his coach Dixon Muhaire and Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president Moses Muhangi, shocked spectators at the packed Sidi Bou Sayd Gymnasia.
The hard-hitting boxer from Brawn Boxing Club stopped Libya’s Issa Abdallah in the first round, capturing the coveted IBA title.
With this victory added to his achievements, including a gold medal at the 2024 UBF Boxing Champions League, Ojok expressed confidence in following in the footsteps of David Ssemujju, aiming to bring Uganda more prestigious boxing medals.
“I thank God for this title, it means a lot to my boxing career. This is just the beginning, and I promise I’m here to dominate my weight in the national team and across the continent,” Ojok said.
He added, “When I won gold at the just-concluded UBF Boxing Champions League, haters said I fluked, but trust me, I’m looking forward to filling David Ssemujju’s void. He is my idol.”
Gorilla Alfred Ojok (centre) posing with his IBA middleweight title, second right is Moses Muhangi UBF president, and left is coach Dixon Muhaire in Tunisia.
Kenny Rodgers Kamulaasi, owner of Brawn Boxing Club, believes Ojok’s hard work is beginning to pay off, and there’s much more to come.
“We have over 150 boxers, but Ojok is one of a kind. He is so hardworking and disciplined. To me, he is destined for greatness.”
Since the departure of Ssemujju and Yusuf Nkobeza for greener pastures, Ojok has stepped up, dominating the middleweight division with ease.
However, his journey will not be an easy one. Ssemujju, his idol, won Uganda a silver medal at the 2019 Africa Games, two golds at the Bingwa wa Mabingwa Boxing Tournament, and secured his place in the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.
Currently, Ssemujju has lost just one of his eight professional fights and has successfully defended the Japanese middleweight title twice.