Ugandan pro boxer Joseph “Joey Vegas” Lubega will face former World Boxing Federation (WBF) middleweight champion, Karama Nyilawila in a twelve round cruiserweight World Championship Title fight on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Kati Kati, Lugogo, the promoters announced at a press launch today.
The bout, organised by A&B Promotions, will headline the second edition of the Survival Series under the theme ‘Beyond Borders’ as fighters from Kenya and Tanzania make their bow , which is something that was absent in the inaugural event last year where only local boxers participated. The event is held under the auspices of under the Universal Boxing Organization, and will feature seven undercard fights.
Nicknamed “Fabulous” Joey Vegas Lubega is a 2002 Commonwealth Games silver medalist who also competed at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. The 36-year-old boasts an illustrious career and previously was a British Masters Super Middleweight title holder.
“There has been a lot of untapped talent in Ugandan boxing which we want to expose. When you combine already established talents with raw ones, you create a new audience,” said A&B Promotions director Acram Iga.
“By putting in place this high profile fight, we believe it brings a crowd that will also get to know about the upcoming youngsters. Boxing has also been associated with vices like drug abuse and crime. This is something we want to change by giving boxing a clean image,” he added.
One of Joey Vegas Lubega’s career highs was in 2012 when he knocked out Trinidad and Tobago’s Kirt Sinnette in front of the latter`s home crowd to be crowned World Boxing Council International light heavyweight champion, making him the second Ugandan to win a WBCI title after Justin Juuko won a similar crown in the super featherweight division in 1997.
His opponent on August 25 is no slouch, however. Born in Tanzania, Nyilawila, nicknamed ‘After Bell’ for rapidly attacking with his southpaw immediately the bell goes off, boasts boxing mileage that cannot be overlooked since breaking onto the scene in 2005. The 34-year-old has been referred to as ‘Tanzania’s Evander’ in reference to former American professional boxer, Evander Holyfield, who reigned as the undisputed champion in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions.
With both fighters bringing impressive CVs to the ring, fans can be guaranteed a feisty fight on the cards after the seven undercard fights (three professional bouts and four in the open category) are disposed of. Nicolas Buule will take on Hudson Muhumuza, while Muhammed Sebyala will slug it out with Tony Onyango. A ladies bout between Hawa Daku and Lukiya Nasiriti will complete the professionals’ line-up. In the open category, Stanley Mugerwa has David Ochan to deal with, Muzamilu Kotoma faces Brinton Peter Luggya, Yusuf Babu entertains George Owino and lastly, Shadir Musa will trade blows with David Semujju at the event where gates open from 4pm.
A&B Promotions has partnered with Fenon, Marcos Spa and Gym, Swat Security, Photogenix and Round 13 to make this contest happen. In addition to the entertainment served in the ring, fans can count on a treat by leading local artistes. Ordinary tickets go for Shs20,000, VIP for Shs50,000, while VVIP tickets are available for Shs250,000. Tables of seven are available with reservations being made on 0773462282.
MAIN FIGHT
Joseph ‘Fabulous’ Joey Vegas Lubega (Uganda) vs Karama Nyilawila (Tanzania)
UNDERCARDS
Professionals
Nicolas Buule vs Hudson Muhumuza
Muhammed Sebyala vs Tony Onyango
Hawa Daku vs Lukiya Nasiriti
Open category
Stanley Mugerwa vs David Ochan
Muzamilu Kotoma vs Brinton Peter Luggya
Yusuf Babu vs George Owino
Shadir Musa vs David Semujju