Uganda's Joey Vegas Lubega to battle Tanzania's Kheri Mbaruku for WBU title

Karama Nyilawila, the last Tanzanian to face Uganda’s Joey Vegas Lubega failed to stay on his feet past the fifth round.

The two clashed on August 25, 2018, at Lugogo Hockey Grounds and Lubega clinched the Universal Boxing Organization World Cruiserweight title.

Four years on, Kheri Mbaruku, another Tanzania, stands in Lubega’s way with the hope of revenging the latter.

For starters, Lubega and Mbaruku have a vast ring experience in the paid ranks that stretches over 15 years.

This gives boxing enthusiasts no chance to miss this must-watch contest come October 1, at MTN Arena Lugogo.

The two will lock horns for the WBU Intercontinental Cruiserweight title in a 12 rounds thriller organised by Gloves and Glory Boxing Promotions owned by British-born Marcus Warry.

Lubega, Uganda’s last boxer to reach the finals at the Commonwealth Games believes this is his chance to prove to his fans that age is just a number.

“I urge my Tanzanian opponent to come well prepared. It's on record that I always turn into a beast whenever I’m fighting for a title.” Lubega told Vision Sports.

“My fans must expect a rejuvenated Lubega. I’m in my best shape than ever before. I feel like a 20-year-old. Endeavour to come and witness that age is just a number.”

Lubega’s rise to fame came during the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, where he won silver during his heydays on the national boxing team.

Since then, Uganda has never had any boxer storm the game's finals.

He returns to the ring for the first time since his loss to Russia’s Timur Sakulin in 2019.

His current ring record stands at 42 professional fights winning 21 with 14 knockouts, losing 18, and drawing 3.

Mbaruku on the other hand has 28 professional fights winning 18 with 15 knockouts and has lost 10.

This will be the Tanzanian’s second fight in Uganda but his first did not go well as in 2016 David Bassajjamivule knocked him out within three rounds at Sheraton Hotel.

Of the many undercards fights Isaac Masembe a 2019 Africa Games bantamweight silver medalist will make his professional debut against Hassan Musuuza, Olympian Catherine Nanziri will face Salima Tebesigwa for the national bantamweight title, Stanley, Mugerwa against Frank Ngobi as Nicholas Buule will battle Gerrard Male.