Semata loses WKF title in dramatic fashion

By Michael Nsubuga

Under card

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Umar Semata will have to seek a rematch with Australian fighter Piotr Lagodzki in order to recover the World Kick Boxing Federation (WKF) Intercontinental Welterweight title which he lost in dramatic fashion on Sunday at Lugogo.

Fighting in-front of a passionate home crowd, Semata put up a spirited fight in the first four rounds but surprised everyone when he staggered into the fifth to technically lose the fight without throwing a kick in the round.

What was supposed to be the final and an icing on the cake, fifth round did not start as a dizzy Semata staggered into it, almost puching the fight's referee Patrick Luyooza instead before raising his hands in a celebration posture, after the bell went, as his opponent sensing the situation closed in for a kill.

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Uganda's Umar Semata (right) floors Australian  Piotr Lagodzki in a World Kick Boxing Federation (WKF) Intercontinental Welterweight title fight at Lugogo

But the referee sensing something was amiss protected Semata before counting him out of the fight as medics rushed in to offer first aid, with a bruised Lagodzki celebrating the bizarre win.

Semata had controlled the fight right from the first round, attacking his opponent with kicks, punches and elbows and actually; twice had him on the canvas until the fourth round when Lagodski fought back with reverse kicks and elbows.

Whether it was one of those that had an effect on Semata was hard to tell as several theories emerged thereafter as angry fans demanded to know what had become of 'their man' and at one time attacked the fighters' manager and the fight promoter Alice Namatovu as everyone searched for answers.

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Semata after the fight

"What did you give him? You have intoxicated him," fans shouted as confusion in and around the ring increased with the media struggling for interviews.

According to fight supervisor Roseman Eastvan, Semata was leading on the cards before the misfortune.

"I think he had too much stress, and too much pressure from everyone or maybe he did not eat well and his energy levels went down, it is hard to explain," Roseman said

His trainer Adam Boumadi blamed the so many seconders in the fighters' corner for the loss in concentration.

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Australian  Piotr Lagodzki on the floor in a World Kick Boxing Federation (WKF) Intercontinental Welterweight title fight at Lugogo, October 11 2015

"He had four good rounds then everyone comes up to offer advice I think he got confused by the many people. It is not normal, people don't respect the rules, see there are even jumping in the ring, I have never seen it in my life," Boumadi said.

Semata was rushed for medical check-up thereafter but the hospital report was not out by press time.

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