Kickboxer Semata gets funding

Kickboxer Umar ‘The Pain' Semata has received a major boost ahead of the ‘fight of the Century' against Moses Golola on October, 13 at Freedom City, Namasuba.

Sports philanthropist Jackson Pemba has injected $10,000 (Shs35m) into Semata's month-long training program in Phuket - Thailand where he is going to fine-tune for the fight.

"I have a lot of faith in Semata. He is a very skilled kickboxer and as such this month-long training in Thailand will simply prepare for the victory, which we all know is inevitable," Pemba said at a press conference held at Mestill Hotel - Nsambya early this week.

It is clear to see why Semata has chosen to camp in Thailand. Most enthusiasts including kickboxing coach Latif Walugembe believes the fight may boil down to who has more skills rather than strength.

"I am going to Thailand to perfect my art. Right now I can say I am at 75% but above all I want to floor Golola and send him to his retirement," Semata, a highly skilled professional in this sport, said.

Semata, a super middleweight Muay Thai fighter weighs 75kg and boasts of 44 wins, three draws but has been beaten 30 times in the lightweight category.

Golola, on the other hand, is a popular promoter of this sport. He weighs 85kg and has 36 wins in 41 fights. The difference is stark and Semata, even as a World Boxing Council Muaythai Super Middleweight International Champion since June 14, 2013, has it all to do.

Pemba has in the past extended his charitable hand to former Mr. Kampala and now a kickboxer based in Germany Ivan Byekwaso, rally driver Ambrose Byona and local basketball side Pemba Warriors. Weeks ago he had already staked Shs10m for the winner of this anticipated fight and has now added another Shs4m for the loser.