The 2024 National Boxing Open at the Valley Games in Lugogo witnessed another thrilling day of competition, as over 150 bouts unfolded on the third day of the event.
With competitors from across the country including those relegated from the 2023 Uganda Boxing Champions League vying for supremacy, the stakes were high as the boxers aim to secure coveted positions in the upcoming Boxing Champions League season.
Amidst the flurry of matches, Day Three brought unexpected twists as five seasoned boxers from Season Two failed to progress to the semi-finals, injecting an element of unpredictability into the championship.
However, one boxer managed to capture the spotlight with an impressive performance – Kibira Owen. Owen showcased his prowess by dominating the 71kg Light Middleweight division, demonstrating his versatility after moving up from the 61kg category.
Speaking to NBS Sport, Owen said: “This has been my second fight in the National Open and it was also my second fight in my new weight category. The fights have not gone so bad for me because I have won from the first fight till this one and I believe I am still going to perform well in my next fights.”
Despite his defeat to Owen, Mutaasa Ashiraf said he was optimistic for future competitions
“I never got any challenges in this fight but the judges made their decision they gave me 5-6. I was well prepared for him but that was how the judges decided. I won’t stop here I am still just getting started,” he said.
As the competition intensifies with each passing round, the pressure mounts on the contenders, knowing that only the top two boxers from each weight category will advance to the coveted Champions League.
Action continues at the NCS Arena in Lugogo with the finals scheduled for Saturday.
