Zebra vs. Banabana: It s time to walk the talk

Boxing. The two boxers have bitterly attacked each other verbally and promised quick knockouts. It will be a letdown if they don’t treat their fans to an exciting fight.

Not so many boxers world over match their words with action in the ring.

But very few, including Floyd Mayweather Junior and Muhammad Ali, at his peak, have proved that it is possible to excel on both fronts - verbal and physical fights. Two Ugandan boxers, in early days of their professional careers, are outdoing each other in the war of words.

Haruna ‘Banabana’ Diba and Isaac ‘Zebra’ Ssenyange take to the ring at Lugogo Indoor Stadium tonight for the National Middleweight Championship fight under pressure to shine in the ring.

Both have been so lethal outside the ring, treating the boxing fraternity to some drama with bitter jibes at each other.

“He is an old and tired lion in the wrong business,” Banabana, the reigning national champion, hit out at Zebra during a news conference on Wednesday. “I will break your head into two, you 50-year old,” he added. Zebra fired back: “I am a boxing teacher. I will teach you a lesson. I will beat you up in the first round.” Zebra is going into his second professional fight having defeated Kenyan James Omolo on his debut in July.

In contrast, Banabana has been in the ring six times as a professional, losing three of the fights.

But Zebra will draw inspiration from his amateur career that saw him rise to captain the national team, the Bombers.

Before the 10-round main fight, there are several under-cards lined up with Uganda’s heavyweight Kenneth Odeke versus Kenyan Joseph Ayeko, the most anticipated. High ticket prices might, however, keep away fans.

ckyazze@ug.nationmedia.com