Golola makes flamboyant return after hibernation

In Golola’s absence, Titus Tugume and Ronald Mugula have emerged as the new household names of the sport.

Kampala

Love or loathe him, you can’t ignore Moses Golola. The self-styled ‘No Jocking Subject’ made a majestic return to the country on Friday after a private but intensive training spell in Kenya.

Golola, the man largely credited for turning a little-known sport into a box office hit in the country, had seen his appeal waver after disappointing performances in the ring. However, he believes he has turned the corner.

“The lion is back,” Golola bragged, showing all the swagger synonymous with him. “I have learnt from my mistakes and want to take the sport I sold to a higher level.”
A non-title fight against Hungarian Betyar Istavan has been scheduled for April 19 at Kyadondo grounds as a comeback contest. The view, according to his promoter Benon Kasenene, is a June showdown with Titus Tugume.

Golola has spent two months in Nairobi, Kenya improving his technique, fitness and skill. Although famous and unanimously loved for his showy nature, Golola’s lack of immaculate kickboxing’s ability has been apparent.

‘Symbol of the game’
Kasenene says he was attracted to Golola after his defeat to Nagy. “I didnt like it that he was seen as no more in the game after that fight (the Nagy defeat),” explained Kasenene. “He is the symbol of the game; he needed polishing. That is why I took him to Andre as the best trainer on the region. I pay him a salary, put him in a fully furnished house and will do everything to rehabilitate him.”

Golola can’t wait to get back into business. “East or West, home is best.The king of the jungle is back. ‘Banampulila’, (They will feel me),” he said. On Saturday, Uspa kickboxer of the year Ronald Mugula beat Romania’s Elek Jonas.

awasike@ug.nationmedia.com