BOXING–Ugandan pugilists are familiar with moments of levity that provoke a brief laughter in a grim landscape.
From ill-preparations lack of finances to petty issues of sharing gum-shields and worn-out gloves plight is ever courting the national boxing team, The Bombers, prior and even at international outings.
And after toiling so hard to get the finances to make the World Boxing Championships in Hamburg, Germany, the ugly claws of fate come scratching.
Uganda’s slim medal hopes were diminished prematurely before even any of the three boxers threw their first jab at the event that started on Friday. Super heavyweight David Ayiti, who qualified for the prestigious event by winning silver at Aiba African Boxing Championships in Congo Brazzaville, was disqualified due to crimes committed by Uganda Boxing Federation.
While the boxer was huffing and buffing so hard in the gym to be in the best possible shape ahead of the trip, the custodians of the game,Uganda Boxing Federation, sulked on their obligations and did not send the boxer’s medical documents within the stipulated time.
It sounds like a romantic delusion but Ayiti has been reduced to mere spectator due to UBF’s reluctance, and the embattled boxer will watch haplessly at home as his counterparts trade blows with the world’s finest.
Ayiti’s unfortunate disqualification means that Uganda’s hopes will greatly rest on African welterweight Champion Muzamir Kakande, who has been drawn against American Randall, and Geoffrey Kaketo, who will face-off with Nicaragua’s Jarqin.