Shadir Bwogi off to Russia for lucrative non-title fight

The Ugandan super middleweight champion is the only African boxer invited to the International Boxing Association (IBA) Day celebrations, an annual event celebrated on August 27.

The "IBA Night of Champions" festivities will feature top boxers trading leather with nine exciting bouts on the day's fight card.

The Olympian has been pitted against Uzbekistan boxer Odiljon Aslonov, a silver-medallist at the 2022 Asian Boxing Championships.

"It is a good chance to show the world what skills I have," Bwogi told Pulse Uganda before adding.

"I will be representing Uganda and Africa, so I am going for a win."

Bwogi defeated Democratic Republic of Congo boxer Samuel Muloko to clinch the (ABU) East and Central Africa Super middleweight title on August 19 at the MTN Arena, Lugogo.

He holds an impressive 5-0-0 record in the paid ranks, with victories by knockout in his last three bouts.

In the main event, two-time World Champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov from Russia is to fight against Julio La Cruz from Cuba, a 5-time World Champion and 2-time Olympic gold medallist.