Boxing fans were treated to a night of electrifying action on December 26, 2024, as the Uganda Boxing Champions League (UBCL) Season 3 finale unfolded at the UMA Main Hall in Lugogo.
The Boxing Day event, broadcast live on NBS Sport, delivered high-octane drama and unforgettable moments.
In the most anticipated bout of the evening, rapper Rickman took to the ring for a Corporate fight against fellow artiste Grenade Official.
Rickman, flanked by a spirited entourage that included his new girlfriend Promise Gatete, showcased remarkable speed and skill.
Grenade, despite an entertaining entrance and prior training at the prestigious PUG Farm Gym in Wembley, UK, struggled to match Rickman’s dominance.
After three rounds, Rickman emerged victorious with a 4-1 split decision, leaving Grenade visibly deflated.
Elsewhere, Kibira Owen aka Matrix of Lukanga Boxing Club cemented his reputation as a force to reckon with, claiming his second consecutive UBCL belt.
Kibira delivered a stunning fifth-round knockout against Kololo High’s Nerrick Tumusiime aka Bulabe in the Light Middleweight category.
The victory marked Kibira’s revenge for a prior loss to Tumusiime in this year’s National Open Finals and underscored his undefeated run in the season.
COBAP’s Nuhu Batte also made history, claiming his first UBCL belt with a narrow 4-3 split decision over teammate Matovu Ukasha in the Welterweight category.
Batte’s unbeaten season further highlighted his rise in the elite ranks, despite sharing a coach with his opponent.
Among the women, UPDF’s Erina Namutebi claimed her first Champions League belt in the Elite 63kg category after Katwe Boxing Club’s Emily Nakalema was disqualified for repeated fouls.
In another notable contest, COBAP’s Brenda Muduwa secured a unanimous 5-0 victory over Christine Nabbanja of UPDF in the Elite 52kg category.
For Kibuli Boxing Club, the finale brought heartbreak as both Kimuli Henry and Kemis Ibrahim fell short.
Kibuli’s Kemis suffered a 4-1 loss to KCCA’s Adriko Jimmy in the Lightweight 60kg category, while Kimuli was stopped in the second round by Featherweight champion Kassim Mulungi, who defended his title emphatically.
Other standout performances included Namungoona’s Hussein Mulo, whose technical prowess earned him a unanimous 5-0 win over COBAP’s Benon Balyegesa in the Bantamweight 54kg category.
As the curtains closed on UBCL Season 3, the anticipation now shifts to Season 4, set to begin in March 2025 following the Intermediate Championships and National Open.
