Uganda's Joey Vegas Lubega knocks out Tanzania's Mbaruku to win WBU title

WBU Intercontinental Cruiserweight title

J.V.Lubega (UG) bt K.Mbaruku (TZ).

National bantamweight title

C.Nanziri bt S.Tebesigwa

I.Masembe bt H.Musuuza

Uganda’s Joey Vegas Lubega finished off Tanzania’s Kheri Mbaruku with a 6th round KO, Catherine Nanziri had to box for her life to defeat a solid Salima Tebesigwa as Isaac Masembe enjoyed the easiest debut into professional boxing.

The above summarised Saturday’s boxing event that went down at MTN Arena Lugogo.

In the day’s main bout ‘Fabulous’ Lubega  knocked out Mbaruku with ease to clinch the WBU Intercontinental cruiserweight title.

The two stepped into the ring at 1:15 am.

For starters, it was Mbaruku who went into an early lead in this fight when he unleashed a barrage of punches that sent Lubega to the ropes.

This left the scanty fans inside the arena in panic before Lubega responded well with a combination of quality punches.

From then on, it looked over for the Tanzanian, Lubega dominated the rest of the rounds giving Mbaruku a buffet of punches until he surrendered in the sixth round.

The two were meant to fight for 12 rounds but Mbaruku could only stand for six.

Before Mbaruku gave up, Lubega landed a left hook upper followed by his right shot to send the Tanzanian on the ropes.

Abdul Sabata the day’s referee quickly sensed that Mbaruku was then unconscious to start his count.

Mbaruku failed to beat the count before Sabata stopped the contest to record his second loss on Ugandan soil after.

His first was a technical knockout against another Ugandan David Bassamivule in 2016.

Moments after, Lubega quickly went into a frenzy with his fans that included former world champion Ayub Kalule.

“I’m here to stay and believe me I will fight until I reach my 50s. I want to win world belts. My target is to retire at least with one or two Internationally recognized titles including the WBC world title,” vowed Lubega.

He now boasts of the WBU cruiserweight title, Universal Boxing Cruiserweight Africa title, the WBC Inter-Continental Light Heavy title, and the ABU Africa Light heavyweight title.

Nanziri's rise from the dead

At the same event, Catherine Nanziri won a national bantamweight title following her split decision victory over rival Salima Tebesigwa.

Tebesigwa dominated the 10-round thriller which to many was the bout of the day.

Nanziri looked much fitter but Tebesigwa landed more quality punches with entertaining footwork.

Nanziri also admitted that Tebesigwa is her career's hardest opponent.

By the final bell, it looked like a deserved win for Tebesigwa and when Nanziri was declared the winner many contested the result.

“I thank God for this victory. However, It did not come by a whisker. My opponent was good and for real she has given me a hard time”.

Meanwhile, Isaac Masembe a 2019 Africa games bantamweight silver medalist had the easiest day on his pro debut.

Masembe knocked out Hassan Musuuza within two minutes of the first round.

In attendance was Salim Uhuru the Kampala Central division Mayor and UPBC president, Selestine Mindra former UPBC president, and Hebert Ndiwalana who represented Gen. Salim Saleh among others.