Boxing can still return to the high table

Feb 01, 2016

Until the late eighties, boxing was Uganda's biggest hope for medals in international meets.

 

The National Open boxing championship ended Sunday at Lugogo and attracted a turn up that has not been seen for years in local boxing.

Not only was the turn up big, but the level of competitiveness was also high with a number of promising and exciting boxers coming on the scene.

And, because of the billing, the championship produced a couple of upsets. Former national boxer Atanus Mugerwa and veteran Hamis Semakula were the biggest victims of budding pugilists and in one night.

Mugerwa was edged out on split decision by upcoming Yasin Adnan, while Semakula had no answer to stylish David Ochan of Lukanga Boxing Club.

Looking at the enthusiasm of the young boxers and the fact that some of those who had sought semiprofessional stints are coming back into the local game should give hope that local boxing could get back to where it belongs.

We are all aware that, until the late eighties, boxing was our biggest hope for medals in international meets like the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

But neglect to the sports sector in general by the powers that be, also saw boxing go down. Coupled with administrative wrangles in the Uganda Boxing Federation for close to six years, did also not help matters.

But at least the administration crisis has to a big extent been dealt with. What remains to be put in place is the development structure.

This will still call for a concerted effort by all stakeholders including boxing clubs, the federation, National Council of Sports and Government as a whole.

But key, will be the discipline of the individual boxers.

As I see things, there is light at the end of the tunnel for local boxing if we can all join hands to pull it through.

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