Yusuf Nkobeza proved his worth as he boxed Richard Okello 5:0 unanimous Elite 75 Kgs in the Uganda Boxing Champions League week 16 main fight at the NCS Arena, Lugogo on Saturday evening.
Under a loud and electric atmosphere, the event was graced by a staunch Nkobeza fan and mayor of Nakawa and Chairman of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) Donald Rukare.
In the first round, both Nkobeza and Okello looked at each other with sights of the same boxing style despite the Nakawa boxer’s fan base being the loudest in the Arena.
With help of his support, Nakawa’s Nkobeza portrayed a unit of calmness in the ring, something that saw him edge the second and third rounds clearly without debate as Gulu’s Okello who looked fit but unsettled in the evening.
In the fourth and fifth round respectively, a tired Okello threw a few counter punches that missed out on Nkobeza who returned them with enough weight and pace to hurt his opponent.
After the fight, we talked to delighted Nkobeza who termed his playing style as a new one;
“I have beaten Okello clearly like I promised and put up a great show of quality as everyone has seen” he said
Adding that”My playing style is new, I am getting some challenges in it but still need to have that belt.”
“I was the best player of 2022 and continue to thank you as I also seek for more support .” Nkobeza concluded
On the other side, a disappointed and respectful Okello labeled his opponent as a good boxer going on to say that today was a bad day in office but will go back, work more and come back stronger.
Broline Kimbugwe aka Stylist also got back to the ring after losing to Isaac Zebra Junior only to beat Mawanda Depark 5-0 in an Elite 71 kgs well contested game.
In the Elite 60 Kgs, Onen Jaffer wasn’t shy to beat off competitive Bomber, Wasswa Ssali 5:0 unanimous in what many saw as a close contest.
The other fights on the day saw Ochieng Benard win 5:0 unanimous against Onyango Hashim in the Junior 52Kgs just like Musulube Stephen in the Junior 66Kgs who also won 5:0 unanimous against Mutebi Tonny.
In the women, Ankunda Marion beat Salima Ibrahim 5:0 unanimous in the Youth 54 Kgs while Nandaula Zahara won against Namitala Suzan in the Elite 60 Kgs after a Referee Stopped Contest in round 3.
