Uhuru warns ‘unprofessional’ boxing promoters

Uganda professional boxing commission (UPBC) President Salim Uhuru has warned professional boxing promoters against unprofessionalism. In reference to last Boxing Day’s boxing night that was promoted by Step By Step promotions with bouts going up to the next morning, Uhuru warned that such poor time management won’t be allowed to continue in professional boxing. The Uhuru restaurants proprietor said that he will direct his UPBC officials to vacate the boxing venue once the time agreed upon comes and probably that will force the promoters (organisers) to mind about fans’ time and security back home. “We want fans to come and watch boxing but at the same time manage to wake up early the next day to go and work,” noted Uhuru. He was speaking on Tuesday in Muyenga as Big Strikers International unveiled a five-year sponsorship deal to boxer Shafik ‘Killing machine’ Kiwanuka worth Shs100m. The heavy weight boxer, managed by Big Strikers limited, announced his entry into professional ranks late last year after missing out on the 2018 Commonwealth games in Australia. He will make his professional debut on March 22 against Kenyan opponent Obadiah Mwangi at Lugogo indoor stadium during a six-round fight which was postponed from January 26, 2019. According to Big Strikers International Chairman, Sam Buchanan, the 23-year old towering pugilist will be earning Shs20m per year for the next five years. “We shall still look after him and promote him as his managers. He will earn fighting bonuses on top of the annual Shs20m,” noted the Muyenga-based businessman.