Punch Time

Jan 12, 2004

THE battle lines for Uganda’s premier boxing event – the National Open Championship, have been drawn.

By James Bakama
and Samson Opus

THE battle lines for Uganda’s premier boxing event – the National Open Championship, have been drawn.
A total of 146 fighters from 22 clubs, all anxious to end the week-long event with title glory, converged at Lugogo yesterday for weighing.
This exercise was followed by the making of draws in preparation for the actual ring action starting at 2pm in the Lugogo hall today.
The spotlight will, on the opening day, be on the light welterweight where big names like KCC’s Mike Obin, Oscar Binka (UPDF), Roland Kalyango (COPAB) and Khalifan Kalungi (Marine Gymn) will be mounting the ring.
Army man Binka will take on Fred Kyemba in the first fight of today’s 28-bout preliminary schedule.
“I foresee one of the best editions of the annual event in recent years,” were former national champion Godfrey Nyakana’s words about the week’s action.
Nyakana, who after his days as an amateur, punched his way to a World Boxing Federation (WBF) title in the paid ranks, knows exactly what he is talking about.
He is one of the forces behind Kampala Boxing Club which has been in serious preparations for the competition.
That the competition also provides an opportunity to win slots on Uganda’s side for the Olympic qualifier in Botswana in March, is one of the driving forces.
“All that the competitors have to do is impress and they will earn a right to challenge national boxers who will be yet to qualify for the Athens Olympics,” said Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation (UABF) secretary Sande Musoke.
With the absence of powerhouse Lukanga, the race for the overall title could be between intermediate champions KBC, Namirembe, COBAP, KCC, UPDF and Kololo High. Most of these have fielded full teams.
Meanwhile, the national boxing side jets into Entebbe from Kasese this afternoon headed for Morocco tomorrow for an Olympic qualifier.
The eight fighters and four coaches have for a month been sharpening at a high altitude camp in Hima for the January 15 - 22 competition in Casablanca.
Ends

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