OPINION: Welcome back Ouma!

Apr 22, 2007

UGANDAN boxing predictably pulled no punches while celebrating the return from ‘exile’ of its prodigal son, Kassim “The Dream” Ouma last Saturday.

By Louis Jadwong SPORTS EDITOR

UGANDAN boxing predictably pulled no punches while celebrating the return from ‘exile’ of its prodigal son, Kassim “The Dream” Ouma last Saturday.

The prize-fighter was granted the full red-carpet reception at Entebbe as he returned to a homeland he deserted a decade ago in pursuit of his dream — a professional boxing career.

Then, Ouma vanished from an amateur army boxing team visiting the US.
Branded a deserter, the ex-child soldier fast established himself and won the IBF junior middleweight crown in 2004.

It’s his success in the ring that elevated his profile and earned him a pardon he craved from the army early this month.
Ouma, a boxer with the flamboyance of Muhammad Ali, remains a major world title contender. He’s cultivated a reputation as an exciting pugilist who often lands the most punches in his fights.

Every budding global boxer looks up to him for inspiration. But, sadly, Ouma isn’t all about hard-work and sacrifice.

He bears a most unflattering alter-ego. Ouma’s career has sometimes been like a hazardous adventure through a minefield. He has survived a drive-by shooting and a ban for drug use. On top of that, he remains ostentatious to a fault.

Now that he’s home, Ouma should suppress this alter-ego and show the disciplined, role model character that converted him into a world champion.
Only then will he be truly celebrated!

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