Mukono hosts trial

By Samson Opus and Robert Bukenya UGANDA Amateur Boxing Federation (UABF) has organised a national challenge today to select a team to face Tanzania. A 28-man team has been training for the challenge match to take place at Mukono's Kisumali Hall. UABF secretary Issa Odongkara said the tournament would be a test for a 12-man team to be named to take on Tanzania on April 29 at Lugogo. The international friendly is part of UABF's fundraising effort for the Africa Boxing Championship due May 18-22 in Mauritius. Odongkara said the federation requires over sh18m for the trip. Odongkara said they had not received any positive response from the companies they sent letters to requesting for assistance. "National Council of Sports is already aware, so our participation depends on the funds they will put in and the funds we might get from the companies we asked for assistance" said Odongkara. "This championship will be a good exposure for our boxers ahead of the Commonwealth Games," Odongkara told the New Vision. Meanwhile, powerhouse Lukanga boxing club pushed their tally to 19 points to maintain the lead in the national league Saturday. Light heavyweight Moses Nsereko and flyweight Martin Mubiru were the pace-setters for Najjanankumbi side at Holywood Theatre, Katwe. The result leaves army side UPDF trailing with eight points. The boxing league started in January in Mukono District with 17 clubs but the number of entrants has dwindled. Each boxing club has to bring three boxers in different weight categories but so far, clubs have managed to bring only one boxer each, forcing the committee to stage only six bouts. Ends