Muzamir Semuddu will enter the Bokum Boxing Arena on Wednesday for the semi-final bout, knowing he is the last and only man standing.
The Bombers captain meets a superior opponent in Omar Elsayed. The Egyptian is one of 18 African boxers that qualified for this year’s Olympics.
With all the six other Ugandan boxers eliminated, Semuddu chases a huge record of becoming the first East African to win gold at the African Games in 17 years.
“It is not going to be easy, but I knew it would not be way before I came here. This is my time, and I am going into it knowing that I must throw everything in the ring,” noted Semuddu, who intends to follow into the footsteps of Abdul Tebazalwa and Muhammad Kizito (Sande Swico) who won gold at the 1999 African Games then All Africa Games in Johammesburg, South Africa, a feet unmatched todate.
Semmuddu during training
With Semuddu already assured of at least a bronze medal and his first at the national team, the ultimate target remains gold.
On Wednesday, in the stands, he witnessed two of his teammates ambition ended at the quarterfinals; with Innocent Tumusiime going the distance with Congo’s Tulembekwa Zola Livens 4-3, losing after a Bout Review.
The KCCA light fly weight boxer won the first and lost the second on the judges scorecard before a spirited performance in the last round. The judges had him ahead 3-2 before the review overturned the result to 4-3 in favor of the Congolese.
In the other fight, Kasim Murungi lost to Sigaque Armando Rugoberto of Mozambique on Unanimous decison. Kasim, who also lost to the same opponent last year at the African boxing championship.
Murungi was not his usual spirited and perhaps appeared low on confidence admits.
“I was not in my best surely, but every slip gives you confidence to double efforts. I will come back stronger,” noted Murungi.
Uganda is represented by seven boxers. Tumusiime and Murungi won bronze while Owen Kibira, Erina Namutebi, Innocent Amoko and Sharua Ndagire bowed out at the quarter finals.
