Kiwalabye scores 14th KO to win continental belt

Winner. Frank Kiwalabye receives his belt after beating Chamile by KO in the third round to win the Africa Universal Boxing Organization title at Muganzirwazza on Sunday night. PHOTO BY ISMAIL KEZAALA.

What you need to know:

  • The Tanzanian youngster reacted with a few counter hooks but lacked the power to keep Kiwa at bay.
  • Ronald Miiro took the National Super Welterweight after punishing Mustafa Mongolia, who surrendered after nine rounds.

Ugandan Frank Kiwalabye made light work of Tanzanian Fadhili Chamile to win the Universal Boxing Organisation-Africa bantamweight title at Muganzirwazza Complex, Katwe in the wee hours of Monday night.

Sporting black and white boots and trunks labelled ‘People Power,’ Kiwalabye did not show early intent to close business so soon and Chamile earned some praises from the Ugandan crowds.
But as if reminded of his and his trainer’s prediction that Chamile would not last more than six rounds, Kiwalabye, aka Black Fire, threw a flurry of jabs and hooks at his 23-year old opponent towards the end of the first stanza.

The Tanzanian youngster reacted with a few counter hooks but lacked the power to keep Kiwa at bay. Early into the second, Kiwa cornered Chamile with lethal combinations that floored him.
His gumshield popped out. Some thought he was out too. But he got up. He wanted Kiwa to earn the belt. Kiwa launched the assault afresh, with a torrent of lefts, rights and some missed uppercuts.
From one corner to another. Chamile didn’t answer. But didn’t give up, nor did referee Abdu Kaddu Sabata save him. Kiwa continued his torment.

Then he landed what could have been the decisive blow: a heavy right hook on Chamile’s left abdomen. Chamile pretended he was unharmed, throwing a few counter punches. But the internal damage was irresistible. As he trudged to his blue corner, Kiwa hit him with an open right in the face. The ref cautioned Kiwa because he had just shouted ‘Stop’. But Chamile surrendered.

This was bound to happen. Prior to the fight Chamile had waited in the cold, glued to a plastic chair, watching his fellow Tanzanian Abdallah Luanja being punished by Muhamed ‘Kanbona’ Sebyala in the penultimate bout of the night.
By surrendering, he saved himself from more punishment on the slippery canvas under the late night drizzle that grew into a heavy downpour.
“I thank my promoter Kasita Bukenya and all my fans,” said Kiwalabye [18-2-0] celebrating his 14th professional KO.

“He gave me a challenge in the first round but I learnt his game and he couldn’t last beyond four rounds,” said trainer Michael Kizza.
“He was good at switching from orthodox to southpaw but I told my fighter to target his flabby abdomen, which weakened his defence.”
In the most pulsating encounter, a classic 10-rounder, stylish and resilient veteran Juma Waiswa edged the equally stylish and stubborn Kenny ‘The Mexico’ Lukyamuzi with a split decision to win the National Middleweight title.
Meanwhile, Ronald Miiro took the National Super Welterweight after punishing Mustafa Mongolia, who surrendered after nine rounds.

UBO BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE

Kiwalabye bt. Chamile
SELECT UNDERCARDS
Ronald Miiro bt Mustafa Mongolia
(National super welter title)
Juma Waiswa bt Kenny Lukyamuzi
(National middleweight title)
Meddie Sebyala bt Abdallah Luanja
Khalifan Bududa bt Ayub Wakashada