KICKBOXING: Semata eyes world title

By Silvano Kibuuka

Sunday:
World Intercontinental
Welterweight fight
Semata v Mando
Entry fees:
Sh10, 000, sh30, 000

Umar Semata has called on kickboxing fans to turn up in big numbers for his fight against World Inter-continental title holder Abdallah Mando from Egypt.

The light middleweight fight that has been dubbed a World Kick- boxing Bonanza will be held at the Natete Shopping Center on Sunday. Semata, who is based in Thailand, stressed that he thrives on home support.

“Many fans didn’t know me until I won the WBC Intercontinental title last year,” Semata stated. Semata, who beat Thai opponent Rhys Karakyriakos at Lugogo, said that he is glad to be battling on home turf again.

“I am happy the d-day has come. I have had enough drills in tactics and physical fitness,” he added.

The Uganda Kickboxing Federation (UKF) has already named world K1 lightweight champion John Tumukunde as one of the fighters in the undercards. Tumukunde will face Oscar Sewankambo while Richard Damulira will be up against Festo Kabugo.

Egyptian determined Egyptian kickboxer Abdullah Hossein, also the reigning WKF Intercontinental K1 champion arrived in the country on Thursday determined to defend the title he won after beating Ugandan opponent Ronald Mugula on January 1.

He arrived with his coach and two Egyptian counterparts, who will also engage Ugandans Alex Masiko and Sharif Bukenya in non-title undercard fights. Match supervisor Roseman Eastvan, doubling as the vice president for the World Kick- boxing Federation has also arrived.

Fans will be entertained with music from local artists according to promoter Abitex Musinguzi