Professional boxer John Serunjogi has vowed to clinch the African Boxing Union (ABU) Super Middleweight Title in the highly-anticipated bout against Egypt’s Boloshy Ahmed scheduled for August 23 at Hotel Africana.
During a press conference held at Kebab House Restaurant in Centenary Park earlier today, Serunjogi confidently promised to win the ABU title and called upon his supporters to support him.
“Come in large numbers to support me. I’ll be competing in a hard fight, but this is going to be my second time fighting for the ABU title. The last time I fought, I took the title, and I’m sure I’ll defend it again,” said Serunjogi.
He also expressed that he is ready for the fight and stressed that he is not under any pressure, saying, “I’m not under pressure at all; pressure stops at the gym. I won’t enter the ring with any pressure.
“I’ve prepared enough to win the fight. I promise to win the fight, and come what may, the ABU belt will stay in Uganda,” Serunjogi added
Serunjogi stated that his dream is to play on the world stage, and the only way he can do that is by conquering Africa first.
“I have to first conquer Africa to fight on the world stage, and I’ll do whatever it takes to win the fight,” he explained.
Serunjogi, who hails from Bussi village on the Kalangala Islands, grew up in Bweyogerere, where he discovered his passion for boxing.
He began his professional career in November 2013 without any amateur experience. To date, he has fought 17 matches, winning 15.
Last year, Serunjogi claimed the WBA African Super Middleweight Title by defeating Ibo Maier in Conakry, Guinea.
His coach Walugembe Abdulatif, emphasised that Uganda hosting the ABU fight will be an added advantage for Serunjogi.
“This time round, we’re privileged to be hosting the ABU championships on home soil. Technically, Serunjoji is ready; we have done it all, and we’re ready for the event. We expect to give Ugandans the best fight they have ever seen out of Serunjoji. I’m sure that we shall win the fight come August 23,” he stated.
Kebab House Restaurant have come on board to take care of Serunjoji’s nutritional needs he prepares for the fight.
“We’re very happy to be supporting this fight. I met with John (Serunjoji) a few weeks ago, and he’s ready to represent the country,” said Samed Kalayci, the proprietor of Kebab House Restaurant.
The restaurant will provide Serunjoji’s meals leading up to the fight to keep him in peak condition.
The highly-awaited event, which will feature only 7 bouts, will be organised by NARA Promotionz, led by promoter Hussein Lubowa, also known as Babu.
He stated his readiness to organise saying, “We’re prepared, more than ready to see John Serunjoji becoming an ABU champion,” Lubowa declared.
“Professional boxing needs money to run, so fans will pay UGX 20,000 for general, UGX 50,000 for VIP, and UGX 2 million for a table.” He added.
In addition to Serunjoji’s fight, the event will feature six other bouts, including an East and Central African title fight involving Ugandan boxer Diego Abdul against a Cameroonian opponent.
“To all Ugandans and my fans, I promise that I won’t disappoint you. I’m preparing myself very well to make sure that I’m at international level standards,” Abdul said.
The fights will commence at 7 pm, with the final match starting at 11 pm. and concluding at midnight, adhering to the contractual time limits set by the ABU.
Lubowa emphasised the importance of punctuality, urging fans to arrive on time to support the event.
