Buoyed by his latest victory, Ugandan boxer Joseph Lubega wants to make excursions into Europe and America for a few more titles before retiring, reports JOHN VIANNEY NSIMBE.
On Saturday, August 25, Joseph ‘Joey Vegas’ Lubega stopped Tanzania’s Karama Nyilawila to capture the Universal Boxing Organization (UBO) World cruiserweight title at the National Hockey stadium, Lugogo.
Lubega became a household name back in 2002 after winning silver medal for Uganda at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester and added the WBC-International title in 2012. He, however, appeared to have lost his spark in the ring in the last six years.
But after Saturday, he is rejuvenated: “It has been a tough four months preparing for the World title fight. I had to lose close to 20kgs. That is a sign of how determined I was to fight and get back to winning ways. I am feeling good about myself now, and ready for the next challenge.”
Before facing Nyilawila, Lubega had not won in three fights. He lost to Arsen Aziev (through knockout) and Andrejs Pokumeiko and drew with Kenny Egan, who were all least-experienced professional fighters.
Some pundits argue that 36-year-old Lubega is past his best and can only compete against journeymen like Nyilawila (25-20-3). But one of Lubega’s managers, Abbey ‘Arum’ Mugayi insists his fighter can still challenge for big honours in Europe or America. “He’s a tough and talented fighter; he only needs proper training and focus,” Mugayi charges.
That said, Lubega went into the fight with Nyilawila as strong favourite. Not only because he had weighed in at 86.6kgs against his opponent’s 81.7kgs but also had bigger international reputation than Nyilawila, who is just a Tanzanian champion.
Lubega improved his ring record to 21wins (11kos), 16 losses and three draws. Accordingly, A&B Promotions, who organized the UBO title contest, have promised to get him more fights.
