KAMPALA (Xinhua) — The Uganda Boxing Federation is sending six boxers to the 2018 Africa Youth Boxing Federation Championship in Casablanca, Morocco, an official said here on Thursday.

 

Moses Muhangi, the Federation president, told Xinhua during the team send-off that exposing the young boxers to international events is critical to rebuilding boxing in the country.

 

The continental championship is scheduled for May 5-11. The event will feature all top boxing nations in Africa and will involve both boys and girls.

 

Patrick Lihenda, the team coach, told Xinhua that having the young boxers compete will help them improve ahead of bigger championships in Europe.

 

“This kind of exposure helps the boxers to mature faster,” the coach added.

 

The six boxers who will represent Uganda are: John Fisher Odoch (light flyweight), Reagan Musoke (flyweight), Jafer Oneni (bantamweight), Coline Mutyaba (featherweight), Ukasha Matovu (lightweight) and Mazzida Muhammad (welterweight).