The Uganda Boxing Champions League has evolved from a dream to reality with the ongoing third season offering more.
Over the weekend, the introduction of Corporate Boxing with socialites in the ropes was a timely spice for the sport discipline that is slowly but steadily regaining it’s past golry.
The League that is only three years old has tried to promote many young boxers namely; Isaac Senyange Junior, Semuddu Muzamir, Joshua Tukamuhebwa, Yusuf Nkobeza, Broline Kimbugwe and many others.
In season three, the organisers introduced what seemed the ‘impossible move’ of having socialites from all walks of life putting on gloves to showcase their boxing skills.
Credit goes to the Uganda Boxing Federation president, Moses Muhangi and his team for daring the gods.
The first Corporate fight between socialite Shakib Cham Lutaaya and Media personality JK Kazoora spiced up Saturday’s action inside a packed Lugogo Indoor Arena.
Shakib Cham made light of JK Kazoora in their @UBCL_Boxing Corporate Night bout at Lugogo#GoLocal 🥊
— Nnalubaale Sports (@NnalubaaleS) October 13, 2024
🎥 @gonzaga_kakeeto pic.twitter.com/JlrnmsImZ6
History was as Muhangi and team smartly pulled off a masterclass move of integrating boxing and lifestyle to build a sounding brand.
CORPORATE BOXING TO CHANGE THE FACE OF UGANDA’S BOXING
Although the Corporate fight ended at in the third round with Kazoora giving up to Shakib leaving people asking for more, this fight opened up a new chapter for Uganda’s boxing.
For the past years boxing has been branded as a ”ghetto sport” and when you are playing boxing the public see you as a pure kifere (read fraud) with many boxing gyms being seen as homes for wrong doers.
With the coming of Corporate Boxing, the pame mindset towards boxing is slowly changing. The narrative of being a Ghetto sport is receiving powerful punches.
People like; Zari Hassan, Dr Sam Bbossa from the Ebonies, Alex Muhangi of the comedy store, Mustafa kizza, Joseph Ochaya from the sport of football, Lubega Muzafuru from badminton, Shakira Shakra, Spice Diana, Navio, Alien Skin from the music industry were in attendance.
The long list also political leaders led Kampala Women Member of Parliament, Shamim Malende.
Before and after the fight the media’s coverage was through the roof with mainstream media and social media platforms covered with the Corporate fight.
On the side of real boxers, being under the same roof with their would be role models under the same roof and sharing sentences in news bulletins was a big plus.
Reason, celebrities scout personal bouncers from such boxing events and the platform also avails endorsement opportunities not forgetting videos going viral and catching the eyes of numerous promoters.
CORPORATE BOXING NEXT FIGHT
After the Shakib and kazoora fight, many other corporate people have come out to show interest to fight in this category.
And, by press time, the already confirmed fight is going to be a lady’s fight between Fauzia Nakiboneka versing Laura Ndagire all from Dr Sam Bbossa’s Ebonies.
The fight will be held on 9th of November 2024 at Lugogo Indoor stadium. The question of another sale out night is a not a given but your guess dear reader is as good as mine.
Others who have raised their hands are; NBS TV personality Canary Mugume who posted on his X Account saying. “Naye nange Shakib musobola. Bamumpeemu.”
As Mugume was still waiting for a response from Lutaaya, another media personality dared a musician. Radio and TV presenter Mukunja wants a go in the ring with Fangone Forest boss Alien Skin.
Navio Uganda’s famous artist also said he is ready to enter the ring if he happens to get any opponent with many others coming up. As Nnalubaale Sports, we think Gravity Omutujju can give him a good run.
Courtesy Photos
