Boxing legend Botha coming to Uganda

By James Bakama

World Boxing Federation president Howard Goldberg and South African boxing great Francois Botha will next month attend a continental qualifier in Uganda.

Goldberg will on November 2, become one of the most prominent professional boxing officials to visit Uganda.

Botha, popularly known as the White Buffalo, is a three time world title contender who is best remembered for his battles with big names like Mike Tyson, Shannon Briggs, Vladmir Klitchko, Lennox Lewis and Michael Moorer.

Dubbed the Mogas fight night, the WBF Africa qualifier will have Fred Muhumuza taking on Kenya’s Patrick Amote in a welterweight contest.

The winner is lined up for a shot at the WBF title early next year.

“That’s exactly why Goldberg will be in Kampala to attend the fight,” explained Emmanuel Mwesigwa, one of the officials of Big Strikers International –– the fight promoters.

Mogas Uganda is funding the five-fight night and the two officials’ travel and stay in Kampala. Goldberg and Botha will also conduct a clinic for referees, judges, cornermen and coaches.

“There is more to professional boxing than just fighting. Like any other field, there is need to constantly train human resource,” said Mogas Uganda Managing Director Partha Gosh.

Hudson Muhumuza will also be in action on the fight night in a six-round heavyweight contest against Kenya’s James Omolo.

Sula Segawa will face Congolese Abbey Zongo in the lightweight fight.

Fight fans are also eagerly looking to the super middleweight Uganda Boxing Union national title championship between Robert Kamya and Charles Kakande.

Kamya will be defending his title in a 10 round contest.