Shafik Kiwanuka to fight Egyptian Abdallah Sammy

International University of East Africa (IUEA) vice-chanccelor Dr. Emeka Akaezuwa (L) addresses the media at the launch of the UBC heavyweight fight between Kiwanuka of Uganda and  Abdallah Sammy of Egypt due on May 29. Looking on is Boxer Kiwanuka, Great Striker chairman Sam Buchanan (2nd right) and UPDF officer Lt. Col.Damain Kato Abooki at IUEA boardroom on Thursday. PHOTO: Johnson Were

World Boxing Federation (WBC Africa) heavyweight boxing champion Shafik Kiwanuka returns to the ring against Egyptian Abdallah Sammy on May 29.

Kiwanuka popularly referred to as the killing machine will face Sammy in a Universal Boxing Council (UBC) inter-continental fight at the International University of East Africa (IUEA) Auditorium in Kasanga, Kampala, after defeating Zimbabwean Thamsanq Dube in a 10 round contest last year.

"My dream is to be a world champion. I am ready for any opponent and I will crash whoever stands in my way," Kiwanuka said.

Kiwanuka, the IUEA student has registered four wins. He knocked out Kenya's David Kamara, DR Congo's Tyson Mbikayi and Dube.

IUEA vice-chancellor Dr. Emeka Akaezuwa pledged his university‘s commitment to sports and urged Kiwanuka to endure all challenges to achieve his goal of becoming a world champion.

"We are committed to building Kiwanuka into a world champion, but he should endure any obstacle in his way and should not give up his dream of becoming a champion," Emeka said.

 From L-R: UPBC vice-president Simon Katongole, IUEA vice-chancelor Dr. Emeka Akaezuwa, WBC Africa heavyweight champion, Kiwanuka, Great Strikers chairman Sam Buchanan, UPDF officer Lt. Col. Damain Kato Abooki, UPDF boxer Sgt.Alidina  Muzee, and Vision Group's Ronald Kaggwa at the IUEA Auditorium

The UPDF officer at the Chieftaincy of Education, sports culture, Lt. Col. Damian Kato Abooki urged corporates to join IUEA and promote sports in the country.

Great Strikers chairman Sam Buchanan said they need sh300m to organise a successful fight.

"IUEA has already cleared the sanction fee, but we need sh300m to orgainse these two fights successfully," Buchanan said.

Before the main fight, Sgt. Alidina Muzee will take on Ahmed Thabat in the Africa super feather title.

Zambia's Anthony Mwamba will supervise the 12 round contest.

Vision Group's Robert Kaggwa assured the organisers of his company's total support in promoting the event.

The event is co-sponsored by Vision Group, IUEA, Hotel Africana and Uhuru Restaurant and Queens Tech graphics.