National Open had more than usual punching power

Mar 08, 2007

WE thought it was all natural aggression and power punches at last month’s National Open boxing championships. We were wrong, because it is that many pugilists had received extra ‘power’.

By Swalley Kenyi

WE thought it was all natural aggression and power punches at last month’s National Open boxing championships. We were wrong, because it is that many pugilists had received extra ‘power’.

Dr. Ntege Ssengendo has revealed that many boxers were under the influence of the banned stimulant marijuana in the week-long competition.

“Our boxers take drugs. I have noticed the smell of bangi (marijuana) coming during intervals,” Ntege, a Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation vice president, noted at the competition.

“I also noticed some boxers were unable to fight well as they appeared to miss steps in their movement (in the ring) which could be effect of doping,” Ssengendo added.

Ntege also disclosed that he witnessed boxers taking drugs behind the stands during the open final.

Ntege, also a World Anti- Doping Agency member, vowed to wipe out the use of the drug among boxers. He said he will seek the assistance of the world body.

Ntege’s move is however long overdue. Marijuana and other stimulants like mairungi, whose leaves are chewed, have for long been used by boxers.

In 2003 Ugandan pugilist Kassim Ouma scored an 11th round TKO over Darrell Woods. However the result was changed to a no-decision when Ouma tested positive for marijuana.

Kenyan boxer David Munyasia was expelled from the Athens 2004 Olympics for testing positive for mairungi.

Ssengendo said that he will convince his colleagues at the regional anti doping meeting in Kenya to heighten the crusade.

He said new recommendations could come into effect at the Africa Zone 5 championships next month.

Ssengendo explained that the local federation’s earlier plan to test every boxer at the open flopped due to financial constraints. He noted that there was also poor communication with the anti-doping regional office.

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