Fruitful season for Bogere but title fight must come sooner

BOSTON. Jimmy Ronaldo Romero and Ladarius Miller are two of the fiercest boxers in the lightweight division, but they aren’t Mayweather Promotions’ only lightweight threats. Just ask Thell Torrence and Jimmy Alex as well as Oscar Bravo and Arturo Santos Reyes. “I am going to throw Sharif ‘The Lion’ Bogere in there, too,” said Torrance, who has been working as coach of the former for the last two years.

Torrance believes Bogere’s versatility, depth, discipline and strength are some of the keys to his success. “He adapts to changes in training very easily. We decided to add new tactics to our fights this year and he adapted easily. He is such a talented and disciplined boxer, that’s why we had a successful season” said Torrance.

Reyes and Bravo, who both tested the wrath of Bogere’s punches in January and August this year respectively, know how tactful Bogere can be. “He is such a tricky guy to fight, very fast, strong and moves allover the ring,” Reyes was quoted saying after he suffered defeat to Bogere in August. Deception is a key part of the game, according to Bravo.

“Sometimes he looked like he was bringing a hook but instead goes for a jab or holds the punch completely. And when you least expect it, its comes.” Bogere carried a different vigoir and swagger as he claimed victory from the two boxers, who were his only opponents this season.

The Las Vegas-based Ugandan who is known for his explosiveness and aggression in the ring, gave us something new this time. He started slow while studying his opponents in both fights but in later rounds upped his tempo before claiming unanimous decisions. For a while, they were lumped together- Bogere, Suliaman Segawa, Edward Kakembo and Phillip Adyak.

Arguably the best
Now, however, there’s separation. Bogere is arguably the most successful Ugandan professional boxer of this era among those based in the Diaspora and arguably at home.

He has not lost a fight since 2013 when he controversially got defeated during that WBO World Lightweight title fight against Cuba’s Richard Abril. He has maintained a good relationship with his manager, Alex for 10 years and is under Mayweather Promotions. Bogere keeps winning-with an impressive record of 32-1-20KOs, a distant lead over the others who have seemed to hit a wall.

The new season will see Bogere feature on the fight card when WBA Welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao defends his title defense against Adrien Broner at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on January 2019. “ I am so excited that this opportunity has come my way. Everyone is excited to be on that big stage, and seems like my turn has come,”said Bogere.

Although his opponent is yet to be decided, Bogere’s camp has started training ahead of the fight. “He trains everyday and I am always with him to ensure all is fine,” said Alex. “It has been an amazing year becuase Bogere was able to win all his fights but most important is that he has stayed healthy and no injury issues this time”.

Luck aside, the New Year should also bring Uganda’s brightest pro-boxing prospect a title fight and if it’s WBC one - it will even be better. Bogere is at his prime and must keep his eyes glued to the top prize.