Heavyweights cut Uganda Open that takes off today

By Samson Opus A NUMBER of senior national boxers yesterday failed to weigh-in for the National Open leaving several titles open for grabs when the UABF's top championship boxes off today at Lugogo. Prominent among those who missed the scale session is Olympian Abdu Tebazalwa. The All-Africa and Zone Five bantam weight champion opted out because of a nagging wrist injury that intensified with training after the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Also out of action in the week-long event that has attracted a record 167 boxers from 24 clubs is light welterweight Muhamed Kayongo. The hard puncher who reported ill emotionally cried as others weighed-in. Other key places that will be open for grabs include light flyweight, flyweight and featherweight formerly held by professionals Mohamed Kizito, Adam Kassim and Jackson Asiku. The trio joined the paid ranks in Australia after the Sydney Olympics. Heavyweight Painetto Omitta who leads on the list of veterans seeking a return after a year's absence in the Bombers squad was all confident for victory. "I am in the best shape than ever before. I have trained, I am okay and fit," he said Omitta who faces a youthful intermediates champion Tonny Watmon and Grace Seruwangi. Powerhouse Lukanga boxing club despite entering a full team meanwhile, faces an acid test against well drilled opposition. Top title contenders include debutantes Basajabalaba Hides and Skins (BHS) who have heavily recruited from Lukanga's rank and file and Nakivubo-based Kampala Boxing Club (KBC). The tournament will determine a team to represent the country in the Africa Zone Five Championship due in February in Kampala. Ends.