43-year-old boxer Mike Ssekabembe eyes Paris Olympic Games

Mike Ssekabembe, the new National Open Boxing Championship gold medalist has set his eyes on next year’s Paris Olympics in France.

Super heavyweight Ssekabembe 43, returned from his six-year sabbatical to box in this year’s National Open that climaxed at MTN Arena-Lugogo on March 9th, 2023.

The evergreen 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth bronze medalist retired from open boxing in 2017 to seek greener pastures in professional boxing.

“I’m back and stronger than before. Winning a gold medal on my return to open boxing is a great motivation for me. I plan to remain consistent and qualify for next year’s Olympic games in France,” Ssekabembe who also won bronze at the 2015 Morocco Africa Boxing Championship told New Vision.

His U-turn to open boxing steered his boyhood club UPDF to the men’s elite title at the just concluded National Open Championship, their first since 2016.

In the final, Ssekabembe defeated Sabath Zimaka from Army Boxing Club, a sister club to UPDF Boxing Club with a 4-1 split decision in the super heavyweight category.

“I dedicate this title to all my teammates, coaches, and our bosses in the UPDF. We have worked together to emerge champions of the elite category.” Ssekabembe noted.

Ssekabembe who stormed the finals of the national open with two byes automatically booked his berth to box in this year's UBF Boxing Champions League season two slated to kick off next month.

Ssekabembe’s Son In Father’s footsteps

Like father like son, Ssekabembe’s son Jonathan Wasswa Ssegane emerged as one of the new talents to watch.

Like his father, Ssegane 17, won gold in the youth welterweight category defeating COBAP boxing club’s electric Nuhu Batte ‘Muzaata’ by RSC (referee stopped the contest) in the finals.

Ssekabembe with his son Jonathan Wasswa Ssegane

Ssegane immediately vowed how he is ready to fall in his father’s footsteps.

“My father is my role model and I have grown up Idolizing him. I’m into boxing to mean serious business and ready to fill his void when he retires.” Ssegane noted.

Lukanga defends title

At the same championship, Lukanga Boxing Club emerged as overall champions defending the title last organized in 2019.

Lukanga won the junior title with 25 points followed by Sparks with 12 as COBAP won the youth title with 14 points with Lukanga second 10 with UPDF won the Elites with 26 points as Lukanga finished second with 22.

But Lukanga’s consistency in the three categories earned them bragging rights to finish on a whopping 81 points to emerge champions overall and win a brand new motor-bike, a trophy plus cash prizes.

KCCA Boxing Club tied with COBAP in second place with 42 points apiece followed by UPDF with 41.