The 2026 Boxing Champions League season five burst into life in exhilarating fashion on Saturday, 9th May, at Club Obligato, delivering a glamorous and action-packed opening night headlined by a riveting lightweight showdown.
All eyes were fixed on the high-stakes elimination bout between long-time rivals Shafiq Nasasira and Ibrahim Khemis, a contest that more than lived up to its billing.
In a tense and closely fought 60kg clash, Police Boxing Club’s Nasasira secured a 4-1 victory over Khemis of Kibuli Mutajjaz Boxing Club, seizing the advantage in their Commonwealth Games qualification series.
The bout marked the second meeting in a best-of-three elimination format, where the winner earns a coveted slot at the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2.
Nasasira’s triumph levels the series at 1-1, setting the stage for a decisive and potentially explosive third encounter—now a winner-takes-all showdown with qualification on the line.
Their rivalry has steadily intensified over time. Nasasira previously outpointed Khemis to claim the 2025 Uganda Boxing Champions League title.
However, Khemis struck back in emphatic fashion during last month’s National Open final in Kamwokya, winning their first elimination trial via a dominant 5-0 unanimous decision.
With honors now even, the final bout promises a dramatic conclusion to one of Uganda’s most compelling boxing rivalries.
Away from the headline clash, the night delivered several standout performances. Jimmy Adriko stole the spotlight with a clinical knockout victory over Shafik Babiro, underlining his intent early in the campaign and earning bragging rights on opening day.
The Champions League season will culminate on Boxing Day, where champions across weight divisions will be crowned and awarded title belts in what remains Uganda’s premier domestic platform for elite boxing and national team selection.
This season also signals a generational shift, with a wave of emerging talent stepping up from the National Open to replace relegated fighters.
New entrants such as Kasim Nsubuga, Seon Amanyire, Swabul Abdul, Arthur Mukisa, Joram Matovu, Alex Epula, and Ronnie Ogen add fresh intrigue to the competition.
Notably, there has been a marked वृद्धि in participation from student boxers and female athletes, reflecting the sport’s growing inclusivity and depth.
Full Results – Fight Night One:
Saliya Nsubuga def. Umar Matsko (5-0)
Jamal Abdallah def. Sudaice Bbosa (3-2)
Ubayi Kakande def. Badru Kivumbi (3-2)
Najib Lubega def. Rodiney Katabalwa (3-2)
Ronny Ogen def. Junior Chege (3-2)
Kevin Ushind def. Habib Kasolo (5-0)
Blessing Adno def. Justine Nekesa (5-0)
Simon Mugerwa def. Timothy Agaba (5-0)
Joseph Katumba def. Gerald Byabashaija (4-1)
Iddi Ssejjengo def. Sharif Kizito (5-0)
Abdallah Mususwa vs Destiny Ochama (result not confirmed)
Zakia Mindu def. Gillian Nahwera (5-0)
Umar Golola def. Arthur Mukisa (3-2)
Jimmy Adriko def. Shafik Babiro (3-0, KO)
Reagan Musoke def. Reagan Kalemba (5-0)
Simon Sande def. Kasim Nsubuga (5-0)
Joram Matovu def. Denis Muleme (4-1)
Reagan Lubega def. Leon Kiggundu (3-0)
Roch Nelson def. Ashraf Demilire (5-0)
Shafiq Nasasira def. Ibrahim Khemis (4-1)
