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The journey to boxing greatness has officially begun as the 2025 National Novices Boxing Championship punched off at the Lugogo National Council of Sports Complex in Kampala. With over 900 aspiring boxers from across Uganda, the championship marks the largest assembly of emerging talent in recent years a true celebration of grassroots boxing.
Organized by the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), the championship commenced over the weekend with official weigh-ins and medical check-ups on Saturday, setting the stage for a week of intense action. Competitive bouts began on Monday, featuring an estimated 200 bouts involving around 400 boxers in just the opening rounds. The championship will run until Saturday, September 6, 2025, with the finals expected to deliver electrifying showdowns.
Michelle Nakkazi, UBF’s Competition Manager, emphasized the championship’s vital role in building the future of Ugandan boxing.
“We commenced with the novices weighing in on Saturday, registering a remarkable 847 boxers. Today marks the first day of action, featuring approximately 200 bouts involving 400 boxers,” she noted, highlighting the sheer scale and excitement surrounding the event.
The National Novice Championship is not just a competition it’s a gateway. According to UBF Vice President Sula Kamoga, the event is a key component of the boxing development pipeline, providing a clear path to the national team and the prestigious Uganda Boxing Champions League.
“The top two boxers in each weight category qualify for the Champions League,” Kamoga explained. “We are fully prepared for the championship, with a variety of prizes and awards awaiting the top performers and clubs.”
With the stakes higher than ever, clubs and schools have sent their best young prospects to stake their claim. Lukanga Boxing Club, the reigning champions of last year’s National Novices, return with a target on their backs as rival clubs seek to dethrone them.
This year’s competition is expected to be fierce, with a diverse pool of talent hailing from schools, community gyms, and boxing clubs across Uganda. The high turnout underscores the growing popularity and importance of boxing as a sport and career path in the country.
As the bouts continue through the week, anticipation builds toward the finals on Saturday, September 6, where the top boxers in each category will be crowned. Beyond medals and trophies, these young fighters are battling for a shot at national glory and a place in Uganda’s elite boxing scene.
