Tukamuhebwa last man standing in Dakar

Tukamuhebwa (red corner) proved too strong for Amoko. Photo: Twitter/@CKristu

BOXING Tukamuhebwa last man standing in Dakar

Shafic Kiyaga • 07:42 - 14.09.2023

Tukamuhebwa stands as the sole Ugandan boxer remaining in the competition after the Quarterfinal matches at the African Boxing Olympic Qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal.

Uganda Bombers captain Joshua Tukamuhebwa has taken a stride closer to securing a coveted spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Tukamuhebwa stands as the sole Ugandan boxer remaining in the competition after the Quarterfinal matches at the African Boxing Olympic Qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal.

Shafic Mawanda and Isaac Zebra Ssenyange, who showcased remarkable talent in earlier rounds, were unfortunately eliminated on Wednesday.

In a bout filled with anticipation and excitement, Tukamuhebwa faced off against Tunisia's Dridi Mehdi.

The Ugandan boxer delivered a stunning performance, securing a resounding victory with a unanimous decision of 5-0.

Tukamuhebwa and Mawanda keep Olympic dream alive
Bombers captain Joshua Tukamuhebwa (R) in action recently | UBF Image

The judges' scores reflected his dominance in the ring, with scores of 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-26, and 30-27.

Tukamuhebwa's remarkable journey continues as he advances to the semifinals, where he will face Colin Richarno of Mauritius.

Richarno, who secured his place in the semifinals by defeating Nadir Abdelhaq of Mauritania, presents a formidable challenge for Tukamuhebwa.

Bombers' Joshua Tukamuhebwa (R) is the only Ugandan boxer with a shot at qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics

The path to Paris 2024 Olympics qualification now hinges on Tukamuhebwa's performance in the upcoming semifinal and final matches.

To secure his ticket to the prestigious event, he must emerge victorious in both battles, a challenge he is undoubtedly prepared to embrace.

Uganda sent three boxers to the Tokyo Olympics, but chances of sending a boxer to Paris continue to dwindle.

Joshua Tukamuhebwa the captain Uganda Bombers will have to fight his way to the finals of the Africa Boxing qualifiers for the 2024 Olympics

The Bombers' biggest undoing has been the boardroom politics that has engulfed the sport, with political clashes between the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), National Council of Sports (NCS) and now the Uganda Olympics Committee (UOC).

Uganda should have sent 13 boxers to the qualifiers, but instead traveled with only six, as a selection drama ensued leading up to the tournament, leading to UBF president Moses Muhangi withdrawing interest from the competition.