Lubega relishes first title in four years

Solomon Bogere landing a left hook on Julius Mponge which sent him on the canvas. Photo by John Batanudde

KAMPALA.

When Uganda’s Joseph Joey Vegas Lubega got the first title shot in four years, he meant business. In a magnificent event courtesy of A&B Promotions, Fenon events and other partners, Lubega exhibited sheer class and freshness forcing Tanzanian Karama Nyilawila into premature defeat after five of the designated 12 rounds.
Lubega, a former African champion, jumped on the ropes to celebrate the Universal Boxing Organization World Cruiserweight belt, his first since surrendering the World Boxing Council International Light Heavyweight Title to South African Ryno Liebenberg in Johannesburg in 2014.
The main event on a frosty Saturday night that culminated into Sunday, was preceded by equally action-packed undercards.

Brian Wasajja was fantastic against the stubborn Sula Katumba in the lightweight six-rounder. Meanwhile Hudson Muhumuza cried foul and accused the referee of “racism” after his own fouls cost him the national heavyweight title. The officials disqualified Muhumuza in the second round for hitting Nicholas Buule on the back of the head twice when he was on the knees. He had neglected the public warning prior.