The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) has announced a record number of participants for the 2025 National Novice Boxing Championships, with over 900 boxers competing. This marks a significant increase from previous years, continuing a trend of growing interest in the sport.
According to UBF competitions director Michelle Nakkazi, the surge in participants is directly linked to the success of the Champions League. “Since the Champions League came in, it has made a lot of people interested in boxing, and it is the major reason behind the number going up,” Nakkazi stated at the tournament’s opening on September 1, 2025, at the National Council of Sports in Lugogo.
Of the over 900 boxers competing, more than 850 are men and over 50 are women. This year’s record participation follows a steady rise from 2024, which saw over 800 boxers, and 2023, which had more than 500.
Despite the overall growth, Nakkazi highlighted the need for more female boxers and encouraged parents to support their daughters in pursuing boxing. She noted that girls have a better chance of advancing in the sport compared to boys due to the smaller pool of competitors.
The National Novice Boxing Championships will run from September 1 to September 6, 2025, with the finals scheduled to take place alongside Champions League week 10 at the Covered Stadium in Lugogo.
