Agong tumbles with season

By James Bakama UGANDAN boxing clocked half a century this year but instead of celebrations, the sweet science was undermined by plunging standards. Uganda's status was glaringly revealed at the Sydney Olympics, where the former world boxing power displayed her worst show in the premier sports extravaganza. Boxers Mohammed Kizito, Jackson Asiku, Abdul Tebazalwa and Adam Kassim left Ugandans stunned as they were dismissed in their opening fights at the games. Ugandans had earlier flown high in anxiety following the boxers' impressive show in the All Africa Games. This sparkle however later proved a flattery of the actual potential. But pundits, observing the team's preparations had earlier dismissed claims that the pugilists had the potential of handing Uganda her first boxing medal in two decades. The team, apart from a handful of deceptive regional wins, had virtually nothing to show in preparations. UABF's blunders were highlighted by a decision to expose the country's main potentials Kizito and Tebazalwa to manipulation. The two budding fighters were sent on a training stint to the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) in Tunis minus a coach. The fact that other countries at the center were backed by their coaches, meant that the Ugandan duo was at risk of being turned into guinea pigs. No wonder that the boxers eventually fled the North African center. Tebazalwa returned with an injured hand, which with more stay in Tunisia, could have easily seen him miss the games. Back at home, preparations were pathetic to levels of the fighters sweating and bleeding on empty stomachs. UABF's consolation was in victories in small time competitions like the Zone Five, the Inter Cities, Mabingwa wa Mabingwa Cup and the Kabaka Cup. UABF however deserves a plus for maintaining a talent development programme that annually produces talents through regular competitions. Lukanga remained the dominant force in these competitions winning all events, save for the National Novices. Defeat was too surprising for Lukanga Boxing Club owner Sam Lukanga . He threatened to pull out of boxing sponsorship but after some thought backslid. In the paid ranks, Justin Juuko's dream for a world title fight finally crystalized. But the opportunity proved too big an occasion for Juuko, who was floored by an American Diego Corrales in the 11th round. The Ugandan super featherweight was evidently lacking the fire that had two years earlier made him the most feared fighter in the division. Some pundits advised Juuko to call it quits but trust his fighting spirit. "I will only retire after winning the title," he vowed. Godfery Nyakana announced plans of returning to the ring. He has kept in shape through intensive drills but is yet to make his first comeback fight a reality. As the year drew to an end, iron fisted UABF boss David Agong was ousted in a Kabale ambush that brought forth his vice chairman Vincent Byarugaba. Change is inevitable. But what made it surprising in UABF's case, was the ease with which the self proclaimed life president was dismissed. The emergence of the new executive certainly marks the start of a new era. But whether Byarugaba's team can effect changes for the better, is yet to be known. For a start, they have scored by calling back old names like veteran referee Jerome Kanakulya, who had been locked out. Their biggest task lies in marketing the game, an area where their predecessor failed. They have to overcome the old mentality that sports can not survive without government sponsorship. Highlights: l January-Lukanga wins National Open l February-Ffumbe wins Kabaka Cup l March-Kampala beats Nairobi to win Kenya-Uganda Inter Cities, Uganda fails to get qualifier at Cairo pre-Olympic qualifiers. l April-Uganda wins Mabingwa wa Mabingwa l May-Lukanga wins Eridad Mukwanga Cup l June-Uganda wins Kabaka Cup l July-Dynamic wins National Schools Championship l September-Olympics l October-Uganda wins Inter Cities second leg. Lukanga wins Nyangweso Cup. Ends.