Tukamuhebwa last man standing in Dakar

Uganda Bombers captain Joshua Tukamuhebwa has taken a stride closer to securing a coveted spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Tukamuhebwa stands as the sole Ugandan boxer remaining in the competition after the Quarterfinal matches at the African Boxing Olympic Qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal.

Shafic Mawanda and Isaac Zebra Ssenyange, who showcased remarkable talent in earlier rounds, were unfortunately eliminated on Wednesday.

In a bout filled with anticipation and excitement, Tukamuhebwa faced off against Tunisia's Dridi Mehdi.

The Ugandan boxer delivered a stunning performance, securing a resounding victory with a unanimous decision of 5-0.

The judges' scores reflected his dominance in the ring, with scores of 30-27, 29-28, 29-28, 30-26, and 30-27.

Tukamuhebwa's remarkable journey continues as he advances to the semifinals, where he will face Colin Richarno of Mauritius.

Richarno, who secured his place in the semifinals by defeating Nadir Abdelhaq of Mauritania, presents a formidable challenge for Tukamuhebwa.

The path to Paris 2024 Olympics qualification now hinges on Tukamuhebwa's performance in the upcoming semifinal and final matches.

To secure his ticket to the prestigious event, he must emerge victorious in both battles, a challenge he is undoubtedly prepared to embrace.

Uganda sent three boxers to the Tokyo Olympics, but chances of sending a boxer to Paris continue to dwindle.

The Bombers' biggest undoing has been the boardroom politics that has engulfed the sport, with political clashes between the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), National Council of Sports (NCS) and now the Uganda Olympics Committee (UOC).

Uganda should have sent 13 boxers to the qualifiers, but instead traveled with only six, as a selection drama ensued leading up to the tournament, leading to UBF president Moses Muhangi withdrawing interest from the competition.