National Open boxing starts today

Jan 07, 2002

IF you thought women cannot unleash knock out punches, better be at Lugogo this week.

BY JAMES BAKAMA AND SAMSON OPUSIF you thought women cannot unleash knock out punches, better be at Lugogo this week.A total 13 women will be amongst the 124 pugilists that will starting today be slugging it out in the most prestigious local boxing event.The National Open Championship will have the female troupe led by African champions Florence “Warrior” Nalukwago and Irene “The Blade” Namakula. The six-day competition will also provide the male fighters with an opportunity to make it to Uganda’s Commonwealth Games team. It’s also an opportunity to fill the places left by Isaac Sentamu (l/weight), Ali Kassaija (bantam) and Abdul Tebazalwa (feather), who recently joined the paid ranks.Yesterday’s draws had boxers from 21 clubs set to slug it out. The fire of defending champions Lukanga will also be missed. The leading club opted out after withdrawal of their financier Sam Lukanga.Army side UPDF that topped the entries with a full team looked set to cash in on the champions absence.“My boys are hot,” warned UPDF coach Kent Musa shortly after his last boxer left the weighing scale.Individuals like Isaac “Zebra” Ssenyange (l/middle), Joseph Lubega (middle), Mohammed Kayongo(l/welter) and Festus Omondi (bantam) could also steal the show. “I am in knock-out form,” said the flambouyant ‘Zebra’ Ssenyange.Namakula and Nalukwago are also set to command the spotlight. Their morale was further boosted by a sh2.5m Katumwa Sports Center kit offer. “We want to show boxing fans that even women are capable of some good ring styles,” promised Namakula.

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