Boxers must stay focused, says UBF

By Shafik Ssenoga

Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) organising secretary has argued the boxers to be focused in a bid to succeed in the future.

Paul Ayiasi was speaking to a section of boxers ahead of the Intermediates Championship that rolls off on Saturday.

"Boxers should be focused and continue competing. Eventually, success will come their way," Paul Ayiasi stated in Kampala.

"We shall use the championship to spot new talent and help develop their skills in preparation for future international competitions.’’

Ayiasi also advises the boxers to desist from issues that might retard their development. He asked former pugilists to support the sport around the country.

The official added that the Intermediates championship will also serve as a build to the national open due later on. Ayiasi said that the national team selectors will monitor the intermediates championship closely.

The top boxers in this and other events will be considered for the national team ahead of future international competitions. Over 180 boxers from 40 clubs are expected to take part in the intermediates championship.

At the same time, UBF is waiting for word from the National Council of Sports on the use of the MTN Arena in Lugogo for the competition. The competition comes after the National Novices Championship held in Kampala last month.

The Naguru-based East Coast Club won the top award and are among the hot favourites in the latest competition. The intermediates championship is the second event on the UBF calendar.

The novices championship revived domestic action after over four years of inactivity, sparked off by a series of administrative wrangles in the UBF body. The election of a new UBF executive led by lawyer Kenneth Gimugu last year brought back sanity to the sport.