Boxing: After Olympics debacle, UBF eyes Commonwealth Games berth

The Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) is keen on quickly putting behind its 2020 Tokyo Olympics shortfalls and focus on something new; the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The multi sports event is scheduled for 28th July to 8th August in the heart of England, Birmingham.

And to get ready for the games, the local boxing federation has set up a couple of activities including mass covid-19 vaccination.

Over 550 boxers and officials are expected to be part of the plan ahead of the release of a selection schedule.

After the vaccination exercise, UBF plans to stage national trials through which a competitive National team shall be selected basing on merit. The date and venue for trials are yet to be communicated.

532 boxers including 498 men and 34 women are expected to be part of the entire exercise and only 14, (8 men) and (6 women) will cut into the national team squad.

However, despite the fast flying time, the UBF haven’t laid a comprehensive strategy that can help them avoid the 2020 Tokyo Olympics debacle.

In 2018, Uganda qualified only five pugilists; Juma Miiro, David Ssemujju Kavuma, Shadir Musa Bwogi and Regan Simbwa.

Juma Miro managed to secure a bronze medal in the flyweight category.
Uganda has shown glimpses of success at the Commonwealth games than at the Olympics.

Despite Uganda’s boxing prowess, the country last won a gold medal at Commonwealth Games 31 years back.

Boxers Godfrey Nyakana and Justin Juuko won gold at the 1990 Auckland Games in New Zealand while the pair of Joseph Abdul Kaddu Sabata and Charles Matata muscled their way to bronze medals.