Two Ugandan boxers Yusuf Nkobeza and Jonah Kyobe have officially received their respective prize monies won at the 222 Africa Boxing Championships in Maputo city, Mozambique.
The duo received USD 2500 (UGX. 9,291,780) each for the bronze medals won during the continental competition.
The official hand-over of this cash was done by the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) president Moses Muhangi alongside the General Secretary Simon Barigo at Kati-Kati Restaurant alon Lugogo By-pass in Kampala city on Thursday, March 2, 2023.
Featuring in the middleweight category (75 Kg), Nkobeza is a member of the Nakawa Boxing Club.
The 25-year-old Orthodox styled boxer defeated Seychelles’ Aaron Joshua Cousin in the first round with a quarter final knockout at the Arena Pavilhao de Academica.
“It is humbling to receive the money won at the Africa Boxing Championship last year. This is a push factor to my career. I will not rest, I will maintain the training everyday as I continue to serve my country, possibly before I turn professional in the future” Nkobeza revealed.
On the other hand, Kyobe, 24, is a member of Lukanga Boxing Club featuring in the feather weight (57 kg).
The Kalerwe Market butcher operator defeated Cameroon’s Ignas Tchouta Mbianda in a 4-1 split decision victory during the well contested quarter final duel.
He then lost to Mozambique’s Armando Roberto Sigauque in the semi-finals.
“I am very happy to receive the money I was rewarded in Maputo, Mozambique. Credit goes to my coaches, my club, Uganda Boxing Federation, all my fans and the continental body” Kyobe noted.
Moses Muhangi, president Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) also handed over UGX 1,000,000 to female boxer Teddy Nakimuli for winning bronze at the 2022 Olympic Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Muhangi saluted the boxers, their coaches, fans, the Africa Boxing Confederation (ABC) and the International Amateur Boxing body led by president Umar Kremlev.
He urged the Government of Uganda for more financial support to assist the boxers participate in international competitions.
“I wish to thank the effort of the boxers and their coaches for the hard toiled effort. I salute the fans, the Africa Boxing Confederation and International Boxing Association especially president Umar Kremlev. I humbly call upon the Government to help in financial resources to compete at world championships. The federation has the will power to prepare the athletes.” — Moses Muhangi, president of Uganda Boxing Federation
Meanwhile, focus switches to the national championships that will be held at Hockey grounds in Lugogo.
–kawowo.com
