Lubega inspired by legends

Lubega, who joined the class of a few Ugandan boxers like Justin Juuko and Davis Lule Yawe to hold the WBC International title, stopped Trinidadian Kirt Sinnette in the fourth round last September to win the belt.

World Boxing Council International (WBCI) light heavyweight title, Joseph ‘Joey Vegas’ Lubega is talking up his hunger to emulate Ugandan boxing legends Ayub Kalule and John ‘Beast’ Mugabi ahead of his fight against Egyptian Hany “Hurricane” Atiyo.

And Kalule, who was a champion at three weights (welterweight, light and middleweight), believes Lubega can even go ahead to become the best. “Real greatness is defined by winning or defending your title and making an impact in the ring,” explained the retired boxer who won Uganda an Amateur World Welterweight title at the inaugural 1974 World Championships in Havana, Cuba.

“Lubega has the tactics but has to focus on the fight at hand right now before anything.”

The 2002 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, Lubega, faces Atiyo, who he defeated early last year to win the Africa Boxing Union title, at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds on June 1.

He is determined to use his 23rd career fight as a springboard to better things. “I looked up mainly to Mugabi when growing up and really want to be like him,” explained the four-time national amateur champion in the junior middleweight and later middleweight division.

“I heard everyone talking about him and that’s where l got the inspiration to join the sport but am also being motivated by Floyd Mayweather Jr’s achievements right now.”

Lubega, who joined the class of a few Ugandan boxers like Justin Juuko and Davis Lule Yawe to hold the WBC International title, stopped Trinidadian Kirt Sinnette in the fourth round last September to win the belt.

The gala on June 1 is powered by Ennyanda newspaper, Kfm, Dembe.

Lubega’s career at a glance
Lubega is a four-time national amateur champion in the junior middleweight and later middleweight division.
• He took part in the 2004 Athens Olympics but lost in the round of 16.
• He won silver at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
•He has won his last three fights by knockout.
•He has previously fought and lost to world champions like Edison Miranda and Nathan Cleverly.

awasike@ug.nationmedia.com