'Mr Crush' lands a Commonwealth title

Former Africa's welterweight Champion, Badru Lusambya, dubbed 'Mr Crush' has landed a chance to fight for the vacant Commonwealth title scheduled for today Friday, April 16, at Robin Park Arena Wigan, Lancashire UK.

The 28-year-old southpaw Ugandan pugilist, Lusambya who had earlier scheduled to take on Lees Edwards in the light middleweight, is now to fight for the vacant Commonwealth title against Manchester-based Craig Watson in a 12 rounds scheduled bout. Watson with vast experience is a former Champion of the Commonwealth title, which he won in December 2007, after defeating Ali Nuumbembe in a technical knock-out at the same venue. He lost the title to Tohn O'Denell, on April 2009, at York Hall Bethnal Green in a highly contested rounds bout.

The former Commonwealth Champion is no stranger in the ring he previously contested for the European Union welterweight title, but fail to march the stature of Daniele Petrucci, at Tendastrisce Rome, Lazio Italy, in March 2008.

But Lusambya says will be out to defy his challenger's ambitions of making it history repeat itself.

The fight was initially listed to feature Thomas McDonald against Gary Woolcombe, before the b the later pulled out due to problem beyond control.

According to Hatton Promotions CEO, Gareth Williams, when Lusambya was brought in to replace Woolcombe, McDonald team declined the fight placing the championship in jeopardy.

During a press conference, Hatton Promotions CEO, Williams said: “Watson agreed to take the fight at a short notice.”

'Mr Crush' Lusambya boast of 21 wins, 18 of which Kos of his 24 fights record career with two draws and a single lost fight. He has been restricted to intensive training ahead of the Friday show-case. Whilst the other Commonwealth contender Watson, enjoys 16 wins, out of the 19 recorded fights of his career. “I have excitement with this news [contest for a vacant Commonwealth title], because this is the chance I have been look for…,” an excited looking Lusambya told this reporter after he learnt about the new development. He added: “I want to assure all my supporters and Ugandans that to land this title fight, I have landed victory.”

“This is the beginning of the long journey, he [Watson] can't deny me this chance I have waited for all these years,” said the cheerful Lusambya.

Although, he had prepared for a lesser rounds bout, Lusambya said: “I'm ready for this fight, I don't mind about the 12 rounds, because all my training secessions have been organized in a manner of 12 rounds bout.”

“I don't train for four, six or seven rounds, my training is meant for 12 rounds. I start with 45 minutes, 15 minutes stretch,” Lusambya added.

He has previously only tested single defeat at the hand of Gary McMillan at Thistle Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland. Now it's a year since he lost a bout in March 2009.

President of Uganda Professional Boxing Commission, Celestino Mindra in a telephone interview, describe the news as great and huge opportunity for not only Lusambya but Uganda as a whole.

“It is good news to get this title fight for Ugandan boxer,” said Mr Mindra, adding that: “This is the only opportunity, because sometime it is very difficult to get such title fight.”

“Great news, because we have been fighting to have a Ugandan to have a Commonwealth title but it had proved very difficult,” Mindra added. He reasoned that: “Secondly, since Lusambya has been preparing for the April 16, fight, I know he is a great fighter, he will take on his opponent.

Lusambya's team was in jubilation that they were happy to take on this historical fight. His local manager Mady Waliggo, said: “This is a real treat by standard, victory is always on our hands.”

“This time the weather was fantastic, he has been training normally and I have no doubt,” said Mr waliggo, adding: “Victory will not elude us. I have trust in Badru, he has never taken a nap at this stage."

Lusambya's team is grateful to Jomayi, Salabed International and Club Volts who have made it possible for the entire preparation to this title fight.