Lihanda hails new format as over 500 boxers battle at National Novice Championship

Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF) vice president in charge of technical matters, Patrick Lihanda, is impressed with the performance and level of competitiveness at the ongoing national novice championship.

Lihanda, a double Olympian at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, made the remarks on the opening day of the championship at TLC Arena in Kamwokya, Kampala, on Monday, September 21.

The 2026 national novices championship, which officially commenced on Monday, September 21, will climax this Saturday, September 29.

Over 500 boxers from 47 clubs are roaring to punch their way into the coveted medal bracket to qualify for the national Intermediates boxing championship slated for November-December this year.

Unlike the previous championships, this year's national novices started at the four UBF zonal regions, including the Northern, Eastern, Western and Central regions, with only the finalists progressing to the national championship alongside boxers from the traditional clubs.

Lihanda believes the new format is a step in the right direction as the federation seeks to align with the 2023 National Sports Act in terms of geographical coverage and the guidelines enforced by the National Council of Sports (NCS).

"Personally, I am impressed with the level of competitiveness, mainly from the boxers who qualified for the nationals through the recently concluded National Regional Novice Championship," Lihanda, who also heads the national boxing team, The Bombers' coaches, told Vision Sport.

"I am happy to see such talents getting an opportunity because, on many occasions, they have missed out on chances to showcase their abilities. This is the way to go, and I think it is the right direction the federation has taken," he added.

Defending champions Lukanga Boxing Club, rivals COBAP, and other traditional powerhouses including UPDF, Police, KBC, East Coast and Namungoona all enjoyed strong starts on day one, while money bags Brawn and Bunyoro BC also registered victories to set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested championship.

Lukanga, who have dominated the competition for years, entered a solid squad of 80 boxers as they seek to retain their crown for a record sixth consecutive time.

Rivals COBAP entered 43 boxers and vow to dethrone 'dictators' Lukanga BC as the competition intensifies in the coming days.