Kiwalabye advises Ssebute to be smart against Tanzanian rival
Ssebute. Photo by A.N Ssemugabi
Kampala-Frank Kiwalabye has advised fellow professional boxer Abdul Ssebute to be smart against Tanzanian Muhamed Swedi when the two face off for the East and Central Africa Boxing Union super flyweight title fight at the MTN Arena Lugogo next Friday.
The night Ssebute beat Mohamadi Nsubuga by majority decision to win the national super flyweight title at Laponye Parking lot, December 26, 2018, Frank Kiwalabye beat Swedi by unanimous decision in the same ring.
The three judges, all Ugandan, scored the fight 60-54 in Kiwalabye’s favour.
“Tanzanian fighters are stronger and harder than us. So it’s not wise to fight with him…you have to be smarter and your seconder must also think and act faster,” Kiwalabye, aka Black Fire, told Daily Monitor yesterday. Kiwalabye knows what he is talking about. Before beating Swedi, he had defeated Patrick Kimweri, another Tanzanian, in September. He has also been on the same card with them. Even his next opponent in November comes from Magufuli land.
“Swedi is a good boxer, but I studied his style on YouTube before I fought him, so I knew his weaknesses. I hope my friend [Ssebute] has done the same but he hasn’t asked me anything about him.”
Ssebute’s Italy-based trainer Peter Mulindwa asserts that his fighter is ready for any opponent. Ssebute, a UPDF corporal, says the same “so I assure you a great show.”
According to BoxRec, the official professional boxing database, Swedi has never fought since losing to Kiwalabye last December. Yet Ssebute has won his two fights by knockouts.
But the Tanzanian has more experience: 74 rounds accumulated from 12 wins, 6 losses and 2 draws. Ssebute has 24 rounds, from six wins in six bouts. “Plus, Ssebute is a southpaw but Swedi switches from orthodox to southpaw according to the situation. He did it well against a Filipino in Philippines though he lost the decision marginally.”
OTHER TITLE SHOTS
Regional Middleweight Title
John Sserunjogi vs. Juma Waiswa
Regional Cruiserweight Title
Musa Ntege vs. Paul Kamatha
National Super Lightweight
Mubarak Sseguya vs. Wilberforce Ssuuna
