ENEMY FIRE
Nov 18, 2002
THE traditional rivalry between Uganda and Kenya re-emerged yesterday as the King’s Cup boxing championship opened at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
By Samson Opus
THE traditional rivalry between Uganda and Kenya re-emerged yesterday as the King’s Cup boxing championship opened at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
The two neighbouring states boxers dug in strongly as both teams snatched vital victories in contrasting fortunes.
Middleweight Matia Kulabako put Uganda Bombers on course of retaining the title they won last year with a convincing 4-1 points victory against compatriot Amuza Wandera fighting for Buganda.
Lightweight James Menya of Kenya also showed great ambition for the title as he out-boxed Solomon Bogere (Buganda) with stinging combinations right from the first gong.
Menya’s going for an early kill paid off as Bogere’s comeback into the game in the last round could not save a 3-2 points decision.
However, it was Kenyan welterweight Dick Othieno’s walkover that stunned the crowds.
Othieno who was poised to fight a fellow Kenyan Joram Munda who had weighed in for Egypt wasted no sweat.
His compatriot made a quick U-turn not to box immediately the first gong went off handing Kenya the fight on a silver platter.
Egypt has fielded only three boxers and Rwanda four. Three-time champions Uganda is represented by two teams; Bombers and a Buganda select.
Bombers coach Dick Katende however, played down any threat from Kenya. “We are prepared, I don’t see us losing the cup. “ Katende said.
Action resumes tomorrow. Today is rest day.
Results: Bantam - N. Okoth (Ken) bt M. Gashumba (Rwa), 5-0, light - J. Menya (Ken) bt S. Bogere (Bug), 3-2, welter - Othieno (Ken) w/o Munda (Egy), middle - M. Kulabako (Uga) bt A. Wandera (Bug) 4-1.
THE traditional rivalry between Uganda and Kenya re-emerged yesterday as the King’s Cup boxing championship opened at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
The two neighbouring states boxers dug in strongly as both teams snatched vital victories in contrasting fortunes.
Middleweight Matia Kulabako put Uganda Bombers on course of retaining the title they won last year with a convincing 4-1 points victory against compatriot Amuza Wandera fighting for Buganda.
Lightweight James Menya of Kenya also showed great ambition for the title as he out-boxed Solomon Bogere (Buganda) with stinging combinations right from the first gong.
Menya’s going for an early kill paid off as Bogere’s comeback into the game in the last round could not save a 3-2 points decision.
However, it was Kenyan welterweight Dick Othieno’s walkover that stunned the crowds.
Othieno who was poised to fight a fellow Kenyan Joram Munda who had weighed in for Egypt wasted no sweat.
His compatriot made a quick U-turn not to box immediately the first gong went off handing Kenya the fight on a silver platter.
Egypt has fielded only three boxers and Rwanda four. Three-time champions Uganda is represented by two teams; Bombers and a Buganda select.
Bombers coach Dick Katende however, played down any threat from Kenya. “We are prepared, I don’t see us losing the cup. “ Katende said.
Action resumes tomorrow. Today is rest day.
Results: Bantam - N. Okoth (Ken) bt M. Gashumba (Rwa), 5-0, light - J. Menya (Ken) bt S. Bogere (Bug), 3-2, welter - Othieno (Ken) w/o Munda (Egy), middle - M. Kulabako (Uga) bt A. Wandera (Bug) 4-1.