Ring of fire

Today, 7pm
WBF Africa heavyweight title S. Kiwanuka v T. Dube
Venue: IUEA, Kansanga
Weight: Dube: 115kgs Kiwanuka: 102kgs
Live on Urban TV, 9pm Live Online 7pm
Entry fees: Sh20,000, Sh50,000 Sh100,000
Under-cards Sgt.A. Muzei v B. Sajabi M. Achayo v T. Nakimuli L. Muwonge v J.Odondo S. Male v C. Kakande J. Mpungu v H. Muhumuza I. Onyango v C. Saidi

Deontay Wilder has given Shafik Kiwanuka a few lessons on how to handle Zimbabwean Thamsanqa Dube this evening. "After watching Wilder destroy Cuban Luis Ortiz I realized exactly what to do against Dube," said Kiwanuka 2(2)0-0 on the eve of the fight for the vacant World Boxing Federation (Africa) heavyweight title fight.

Wilder on Saturday night let Ortiz do all the work as the American kept him at bay with his long reach. Then when Ortiz seemed to get excited with some on target punches in the seventh round, Wilder unleashed the killer shot that sent out the Cuban. Kiwanuka, who has taken on the nickname "Killing Machine" for his knock-out record, believes he can do the same.

But if weight is anything to go by, then Dube could have won the first round at the weighing yesterday. He tipped the scales at 115 kilograms, more than 12kgs heavier than the homeboy. Kiwanuka's only consolation was in the height. While he stands at 6ft 6in, Dube measures 6ft 2in. Dube used the weighing ceremony to send out a warning. "Come in big numbers and see the real champion."

"Dube will become the Killing Machine and Kiwanuka will be on the run," stated Dube's manager Gabriel Moyo. Dube, 37 boasts of a 15(12) 3-0 record that last had him fighting in 2011. Moyo explained that his fi ghter's inactivity wasn't by choice.

"After winning the WBA Pan Africa title, he had three more fights, but fighters have thereafter not been forthcoming in Southern Africa. That is why we are venturing in Eastern Africa." World Boxing President Howard Goldberg yesterday advised the fighters to put up a clean show.

"Whoever wins must inspire youngsters in the respective countries," said Goldberg at the IUEA campus in Kansanga. "This is a professional sport and I expect both fighters to have a great fight and keep it professional," Goldberg said the winner has six months to defend the title, meaning whoever wins will have to defend it by May 30, 2020.

Profiles

Shafik Kiwanuka
At six feet six inches, Shafi k Kiwanuka is one of the world's tallest heavyweights. He has a clean professional record thus far having knocked out his two earlier opponents. At 102 kilograms he is however considered by many as being a bit too light for the heavyweight division.

He turned professional after a relatively impressive amateur record having won the National League, National Open and East, and Central heavyweight title. Nicknamed "Killing Machine", Kiwanuka can be cocky as was the case at the fight official press conference on Wednesday.

"The Killing Machine is set for yet another knockout. Turn up in big numbers." Outside the ring, Kiwanuka, an International University of East Africa student, is also a footballer who had a stint in Uganda Premier League side Express.

Thamsanqa Dube
Thamsanqa Dube is a Zimbabwean fi ghter based in Bulawayo. In a career that started in 2002, he has 15 fi ghts. Ten of these are wins have been by knock out. He will however be making a comeback having last fought in 2011. He lost his last fi ght to Flo Simba. He attributes his long spell of inactivity to lack of sponsors. Great Strikers International, the company that manages Kiwanuka, describes the upcoming fi ght as a great test for their fi ghter.