Three Ugandan boxers are in action this Tuesday as the boxing action at the ongoing African Games in Ghana gets hotter at the quarter finals.
After his winning debut with referee stopping contest against Bouzine Jovanie Darius Antoine from Seychelles, Innocent Amoko returns as an underdog against pre-match favourite Jugurtha Ait Bekka.
Virtually the best boxer of the tournament, the 28 year-old Algerian is more experienced and exposed than the Ugandan debutant, having 19 Pro-arm fights, of which 13 are wins and only six are losses.
He has stopped his previous two opponents at the games in the first and second round, respectively, and has gained cheers from the home crowds for his combination style.
Despite his massive speed, technical, superiority, high connection rate, and mobility, Amoko is not moved.
“I watched him, and he is a good boxer. However, we are here to defeat the best to become the best. I came for a medal, and it is what I am chasing. Whoever is in my way should know that,” noted a confident Amoko ahead of the lightwelter action at the Bokum boxing arena.
In the other fight, African 2023 bronze medalist Erina Namutebi makes her first appearance at the African Games against Nigeria’s Cynthia Ogunsemilore in light weight. The UPDF boxer switched weight from the light middle.
“The heat affected on arrival, but I got used. I am ready,” she observed.
Owen Kibira, who won on points in his first fight, also returns to the ring seeking a ticket to the semi-finals as he takes on tricky Romdhani Zakaria in welter weight category. Kibira, a stylish boxer, will have to integrate power against the outer boxing Tunisian.
The Ugandan boxing trio seek to land in the medal bracket with wins this Tuesday to join compatriots Innocent Tumusiime, Kasim Murungi and captain Muzamir Semuddu who are already assured of at least a bronze medal after getting to the last four.
