Shadir Musa Bwogi claims ABU title, cements legacy as Africa's boxing force
This victory marks another career-defining moment for Bwogi, following his automatic qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics during Africa's Dakar qualifiers.
Shadir Musa Bwogi couldn't allow to sleep without posing with his ABU Super middleweight belt in bed
Fred Kisekka
Sports reporter @New Vision
Super middleweight Shadir Musa Bwogi defied expectations to claim the Africa Boxing Union (ABU) title with a split decision victory over DR Congo's Jason Medi at Johannesburg's packed Brixton Multi-Purpose Centre.
The triumph silenced critics who had doubted the Ugandan boxer, showcasing his ability to turn the impossible into reality.
This victory marks another career-defining moment for Bwogi, following his automatic qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics during Africa's Dakar qualifiers. While he didn't medal in Tokyo, his performance saved Uganda's 16-boxer contingent from complete elimination.
The ABU win places Bwogi among Uganda's elite, becoming only the second Ugandan to claim the title on foreign soil after Joey Vegas Lubega's 2012 victory in Cairo. Judges' scorecards reflected Bwogi's dominance, with Uganda's Irene Ssemakula scoring 117-110 and Zambia's Raphael Chalwe awarding 116-111, while South Africa's Siphiwo Mbini saw a 114-114 draw.
"I'm the face of African boxing," declared Bwogi, the former Bombers captain (2018-2021). "This victory proves I'm destined for greatness. The support from fans across Africa fuels my ambition to win more titles."
Bwogi's professional success follows his 2021 stand against the Uganda Boxing Federation, when he led Olympians David Ssemujju, Catherine Nanziri, and Isaac Masembe in boycotting the Champions League over contractual disputes. The move to professional boxing has proven fruitful - Ssemujju now holds Japan's welterweight title, Nanziri won the 2023 ABU featherweight crown, and Masembe ranks highly in continental standings.
As Bwogi's star continues rising, his ABU triumph solidifies his position as Uganda's boxing standard-bearer and a growing force in African pugilism.
Ugandan Boxers With ABU Titles
Justin ‘The Destroyer’ Jjuuko- 1999
Badru ‘Mr Crush’ Lusambya- (2005, 2007 and 2009).
Davis Lusimbo- 2007
Michael Kizza- (2002 and 2003)
Joey Vegas Lubega- 2012.
Jackson ‘Action’ Asiku-2005
Edward ‘Mesiah’ Kakembo- 2015
Latibu ‘Dancing Master’ Muwonge- 2023
Catherine ‘The Silent Beast’ Nanziri- 2023
John Sserunjogi- 2024.
Shadir Musa Bwogi- 2025.