The Boxing National Team trials concluded on the weekend with Junior and Youth categories at Lugogo.
Uganda Boxing Federation will take huge credit for organising a successful competition that earmarked the return of Boxing action after a two-year hiatus.
Four boxers in each weight category qualified to the semifinals, and the quartet will have a chance to compete at the inaugural Champions League with a place on the National team up for grabs.
UBF President Moses Muhangi revealed: “We were not looking for the champion of the Trials, we had two objectives; to give a chance to every boxer to showcase his ability as we never wanted to pick a National team then at the end of the day one comes with a complaint asking why he or she was not considered. Second is that we wanted to get the best four Boxers in each weight.:
“The four winners will play a round robin in what we termed as Champions League wherr the best boxer will be got – Everyone will face each boxer in his category. Each win will give you three (3) points, one (1) points for draw and Zero (0) points for a loss.”
Muhangi confirmed that the Champions League will be played late November or early December this year.
Take an example in Light middleweight category where Stanley Mugerwa, Isaac Zebra, David Ssemujju and Junju Power all reached the semis.
Ssemujju will have to face Junju, Zebra and Mugerwa and vice versa; every boxer’s points per match will be tabulated and the winner (one with most points) will be considered.
“When there is a national team engagement within that time, the leading Boxer in points is the one who will be considered because he would have beaten everyone in his/her category,” Muhangi explained.
“It will help to keep all the boxers competitive as they will remain training. Previously, when we finished the National team trials, these boxers could rest on their laurels.”
The Women Boxers did not take part in the National Team trials due to their limited number per weight category and all qualified to the Champions League.
Qualified to Champions League in Elite Weights:
Fly Weight
1. Ocan Geofrey
2. Lwanga Mohammed
3. Kabuuka Moses
4. Gaita Ronald
Bantam Weight
1. Omondi Marvin
2. Hussein Mulo
3. Mugerwa Fulje
4. Katongole John
Feather Weight
1. Masembe Isaac
2. Mubiru Derrick
3. Kyobe Jonah
4. Ssali Marvin
Light Weight
1. Wasswa Ssali
2. Onen Jaffer
3. Kizito Nasser
4. Kigundu Murushid
Light Welter
1. Tukamuhebwa Joshua
2. Mutyaba Collins
3. Magumba Rehan
4. Kagere Michael
Welter Weight
1. Sande Simon
2. Kibira Owen
3. Nvule Umar
4. Matovu Ukasha
Light Middle
1. Mugerwa Stanley
2. Isaac Zebra
3. Semujju David
4. Junju Power
Middle Weight
1. Nkobeza Yusuf
2. Shadir Musa
3. Okello Ronald
4. Odokonyero Emma
Light Heavy
1. Male Joshua
2. Mukiibi Idris
3. Lugya Brighton
4. Kayiwa Lawrence
Cruiser Weight
1. Jamdali Adam
2. Wandera Ronnie
3. Kasiivu Sharif
4. Geoffrey Mudankanig
Heavy Weight
1. Lubega Medi
2. Wejuli George
3. Kimera Swaibu
4. Aling William
Super Heavy
1. Geko Solomon
2. Mandela Geofrey
3. Kayondo Paul
4. Komakech Michael
Women Elite:
Minimum – Mary Nasali,
Light Fly – Esther Nalukwago, Nakigudde Rosette, Sarah Nantongo
Fly Weight – Catherine Nanziri, Grace Nankinga
Bantam – Jalia Nali, Teddy Nakimuli, Sharlom Nabukenya
Feather – Shahua Ndagire, Jesca Nakiridde, Suzan Akello, Sharon Oroma, Phionah Kansiime
Light – Rebecca Amongin, Sarah Laker, Vivian Apio
Light Welter – Zahara Nandawula, Shanita Zawedde
Welter – Emily Nakalema, Lydia Nantale
Middle – Joyce Namabiiro, Doreen Nassali
Heavy – Diana Atwine, Norine Musiitwa