The town of Arua was buzzing over the weekend, as a section of its residents welcomed Aziz Ringo, 23, the latest belt winner in the heavy-weight (92kgs) division of the Uganda Boxing Champions League (UBCL), whose 2024 edition concluded on December 26.
After Ringo’s quick-fire technical knock-out, that ended his fight with Jonah Galiwango no sooner had the bell allowing them to start boxing gone, celebrations ensued, as fans of Kololo boxing club, where Ringo is based, went into delirium.
However, in going to Arua, Ringo saw it necessary to share his latest success with his family, who, like anyone, can refer to his rise to the top of amateur heavy-weight boxing as a true fairytale.
By this time last year, Ringo, who is a grandson to former Ugandan President, Idi Amin, had just competed in both the novice (upstarts) and intermediate boxing tournaments, without much success.
Ringo’s coach at Kololo, Sam Kabugo said: “By the time Ringo competed in the Novices, he had just joined the sport two months earlier. Essentially, he was still raw. That still showed in the intermediate and in the Open championships he took part in.
Yet, according to Kabugo, Ringo remained a very hard-working young man, who wanted to learn how to box well. But even more importantly, he loved training. In many ways, Ringo lived up to what his brother, who introduced him to Kabugo had always said about him, when he placed him under the tutelage of the boxing coach.
It is already paying off in such record time. And it did in such a synonymous manner. Back in the 1970s, when Amin was President, he advised the Ugandan pugilists, who complained about being cheated by the ringside judges. So, Amin, who had a background in boxing, advised them that the only way they could avoid being hard-done by unfair judges, was by knocking out their opponents.
But since the apple does not fall so far away from the tree, Ringo, like his grandfather took to heart the words of wisdom. Right from the time the bell went, he relentlessly went on the offensive, as he rained blows on Galiwango from which he could not beat the count.
Although Ringo was clearly disadvantaged by the fact that Galiwango was significantly taller than him and had beaten him in their last meeting, did not unhinge Ringo. Ringo, who is a 5ft 9” just did not allow Galiwango (6ft) any space, to use his reach and longer arms.
Ringo’s speed, close and heavy punches just subdued Galiwango, the same way he did the 2023 defending champion, James Baraka in the earlier rounds of the UBCL. What a fairytale!
jovi@observer.ug
Very inspiring
Massive congratulations to my big brother, Aziz Ringo, from my mummy’s side, on bringing home the belt! We’re beyond proud of you! This is just the beginning, and I know you’re coming back stronger than ever.
As your young brother, Mosh Events, I’m honored to be following in your footsteps, making waves in West Nile as a top influencer.
We come from a winning family, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for us! All the best, bro!
No one will Stop Ringo
Truly his grandfather’s legacy must give impetus to this uoung man’s talent and should use this advantage to move on to greater heights. Box for your granny young man.
Thanks brother, God bless you and God is great
Congratulations
Natural worrior,a lion hearted commando. Am with master dragon, the martial legend who fathers this he-son ringo…all bigups, the cheers, the bongas and the heartly greetings from home people av BEEN presented by i solja OCHAYA JIHADI!.