UABF needs UPBC tips
Apr 17, 2005
THE amateur version of our boxing has always underrated locally based prize fighting.
‘I SAY SO’ - James Bakama
THE amateur version of our boxing has always underrated locally based prize fighting.
To the amateurs, the local professionals were dregs, who after poor amateur stints, opted for the free-for-all local pro scene.
But this image is fast changing. In fact, the pros could already be scorning the amateurs.
Today, you have fine fighters like Badru Lusambya and Abdul Tebazalwa who sparkled as amateurs and went against tradition by joining the local pro ranks.
It's a qualitative change that also explains the five locally based African champions from Uganda since 2000.
This boost in quality backed by UPBC president Celestino Mindra's international connections, tips from former stars like Godfrey Nyakana and the emergence of genuine promoters have boosted the sport.
While Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation (UABF) today struggles to send a team to Kenya, local promoters in the pro ranks are sending pugilists for fights to Europe.
You also won't hear stories of hungry Ugandan pro fighters, as was recently the case with the national team in Nairobi.
Such stories sound like a joke to Lusambya, who is assured of a month's feeding from Uhuru Restaurant before any competitive fight.
Interestingly, as the men in the pro ranks continue to stretch their brains to secure their next sponsor, UABF officials remain seated in their Lugogo office gossiping.
Emmanuel Mwesigwa is one of the forces that have awed me in the pro revolution.
The former lightweight still possesses a fighter's drive and the wits of a businessman while pursuing sponsors.
He is the kind of man who will walk into State House and get what he wants.
Is it therefore surprising that while UABF today solely depends on a cash strapped National Council of Sports, the professional fraternity on the contrary boasts of a list of financiers?
Politicians like Francis Babu and Godfrey Nyakana together with businesses like Moto Yoshi, Jomayi Property Consultants, Rambo Communications and Scandinavian Bus Express are some of the financiers propelling professional boxing.
So, isn't this proof enough for UABF to swallow its pride and get some survival tips from their colleagues in the pro ranks?
jbakama@newvision.co.ug
THE amateur version of our boxing has always underrated locally based prize fighting.
To the amateurs, the local professionals were dregs, who after poor amateur stints, opted for the free-for-all local pro scene.
But this image is fast changing. In fact, the pros could already be scorning the amateurs.
Today, you have fine fighters like Badru Lusambya and Abdul Tebazalwa who sparkled as amateurs and went against tradition by joining the local pro ranks.
It's a qualitative change that also explains the five locally based African champions from Uganda since 2000.
This boost in quality backed by UPBC president Celestino Mindra's international connections, tips from former stars like Godfrey Nyakana and the emergence of genuine promoters have boosted the sport.
While Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation (UABF) today struggles to send a team to Kenya, local promoters in the pro ranks are sending pugilists for fights to Europe.
You also won't hear stories of hungry Ugandan pro fighters, as was recently the case with the national team in Nairobi.
Such stories sound like a joke to Lusambya, who is assured of a month's feeding from Uhuru Restaurant before any competitive fight.
Interestingly, as the men in the pro ranks continue to stretch their brains to secure their next sponsor, UABF officials remain seated in their Lugogo office gossiping.
Emmanuel Mwesigwa is one of the forces that have awed me in the pro revolution.
The former lightweight still possesses a fighter's drive and the wits of a businessman while pursuing sponsors.
He is the kind of man who will walk into State House and get what he wants.
Is it therefore surprising that while UABF today solely depends on a cash strapped National Council of Sports, the professional fraternity on the contrary boasts of a list of financiers?
Politicians like Francis Babu and Godfrey Nyakana together with businesses like Moto Yoshi, Jomayi Property Consultants, Rambo Communications and Scandinavian Bus Express are some of the financiers propelling professional boxing.
So, isn't this proof enough for UABF to swallow its pride and get some survival tips from their colleagues in the pro ranks?
jbakama@newvision.co.ug