Yusuf Babu
Ugandan professional boxer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Yusuf Hasanali Babu Abdulsamad is a Ugandan amateur and professional boxer and former captain of the Uganda national boxing team, he has competed in multiple weight classes including middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight.[2]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
Nickname | The Rolling Tiger |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Weight | Middleweight, Light heavyweight, Heavyweight |
| Boxing career | |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record[1] | |
| Wins | 2 |
| Losses | 0 |
| Draws | 0 |
Amateur career
Babu trained at the COBAP Boxing Club in Kampala. During his amateur career he was a consistent performer across different divisions.
- He won gold medals at the Bingwa wa Mabingwa tournaments in 2016 and 2017.[3]
- He represented Uganda at the 2017 African Boxing Championships in Brazzaville, losing a close quarter-final to Egypt’s Hosam Abdin.[3]
- In 2019, he won the National Open Boxing Championship heavyweight title, defeating Emma Kyambadde.[4]
- In January 2019, he was named Real Stars Sports Awards Best Boxer of the Month.[5]
Professional career
In September 2022, Babu signed a two-year contract with 12 Sports Rounds Promotions to launch his professional career.[3]
Professional boxing record
Personal life
Babu’s career has faced challenges outside the ring. He has survived violent incidents, including gunshot wounds, and has spoken publicly about periods of detention which disrupted his boxing progress.[7] Lawrence Kalyango (Coach Lora) who happens to be his coach, has played a key role in rebuilding his form and discipline.
Style
Babu is noted for combining speed with power in the heavyweight division, as well as improved defensive ability in his professional bouts. His charisma has also earned him popularity in Ugandan boxing circles.[8]