Lubega the one-armed boxing champion
Jan 21, 2003
BOXER for the year Joseph Lubega (Zebra) proved his worth in the National Open boxing championship on Sunday.
By Samson Opus
BOXER for the year Joseph Lubega (Zebra) proved his worth in the National Open boxing championship on Sunday.
Taking to the ring with an injury on his right hand, Lubega exhibited a rare talent when he encountered Kololo’s Sam Kabugo in the light heavyweight final to retain his crown by using his less poisonous left hand.
The Manchester Commonwealth Games silver medalist fought on until the last gong and won on a unanimous point decision.
And this was an insight of the country’s greatest boxing event that brought to light the difference between the grades of boxing in the country.
But this was no reflection for the final. Close fights were few and was a result of only two experienced boxers meeting leaving Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation (UABF) executive with a tougher assignment.
Some boxers were in the national open by mistake as there was no better boxers to engage them.
Their style better suited the novice and juniors, no wonder, most bouts were stopped midway.
At one time, a referee had to call on a boxer to fight on despite his being out-punched and could not continue. The technical bench tried its level best to force him stop the bout.
A “no towel, no weigh-in†policy improved the hygiene of boxers in the ring. At least there was little sharing of basic items including gum shields in the week-long tournament — courtesy of new UABF secretary Sande Musoke who enforced the rulebook.
But Zebra boxing club’s victory heralded a behind-the-scene return of Samuel ‘Don King’ Lukanga in style while KBC’s past dominance in the heavier weights was not witnessed this time leaving something wanting.
And though the likes of Atanus Mugerwa (KBC) gave a ray of hope for new blood, more home work need be done by the boxing authorities to get names who will replace migrating stars.
Ends
BOXER for the year Joseph Lubega (Zebra) proved his worth in the National Open boxing championship on Sunday.
Taking to the ring with an injury on his right hand, Lubega exhibited a rare talent when he encountered Kololo’s Sam Kabugo in the light heavyweight final to retain his crown by using his less poisonous left hand.
The Manchester Commonwealth Games silver medalist fought on until the last gong and won on a unanimous point decision.
And this was an insight of the country’s greatest boxing event that brought to light the difference between the grades of boxing in the country.
But this was no reflection for the final. Close fights were few and was a result of only two experienced boxers meeting leaving Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation (UABF) executive with a tougher assignment.
Some boxers were in the national open by mistake as there was no better boxers to engage them.
Their style better suited the novice and juniors, no wonder, most bouts were stopped midway.
At one time, a referee had to call on a boxer to fight on despite his being out-punched and could not continue. The technical bench tried its level best to force him stop the bout.
A “no towel, no weigh-in†policy improved the hygiene of boxers in the ring. At least there was little sharing of basic items including gum shields in the week-long tournament — courtesy of new UABF secretary Sande Musoke who enforced the rulebook.
But Zebra boxing club’s victory heralded a behind-the-scene return of Samuel ‘Don King’ Lukanga in style while KBC’s past dominance in the heavier weights was not witnessed this time leaving something wanting.
And though the likes of Atanus Mugerwa (KBC) gave a ray of hope for new blood, more home work need be done by the boxing authorities to get names who will replace migrating stars.
Ends