Uganda’s Ebong eyes gold at IBA Africa Boxing Championship in Kinshasa
David GOMBE
Uganda’s heavyweight boxer Emmy Abel Ebong has a chance for gold at the ongoing IBA Africa Boxing Championship being held in Kinshasa, DR Congo.
Ebong reached the semifinals after overcoming Cape Verde’s Emmanuel Goncalves Monterro in the heavyweight quarter-final Wednesday night.
The Ugandan prevailed to the medal contest after a 4-1 majority decision and remains the only Ugandan in search of glittering gold in Kinshasa.
Seven of his compatriots failed to make it to the finals in their respective weights in Kinshasa and now the onus is on Ebong to deliver a glorious performance for himself and his dear country.
In his battle for glory, Ebong takes on DR Congo’s experienced Peter Mpita Kabeji, who has previously won this title twice in Maputo 2022 and Yaounde 2023, and at the African Games in Accra last year.
Kabeji started at the semifinal stage just like his next opponent Ebong when he cruised past Russia-based Cameroonian Tobbie Luis Ongolo to make the final.
Meanwhile, Uganda is guaranteed four medals: three bronze courtesy of middleweight Ronald Nsamba, light heavyweight Ronald Wandera, featherweight Laker, and gold or silver for Ebong on Saturday evening at the Kinshasa Arena.