26.03.04 – By Ike Enwereuzor – www.Jacboxing.com – Former African champion “Iron Bomber” Mike Kizza of Uganda, now (17-3, 12 Ko’s) was originally from Kampala, Uganda. He began his professional career on March 1994 in Uganda when he defeated Abdul Wanzara by decision. He won several titles, including two-time Ugandan champion, African champion, East Central champion and more.
Kizza is now expected to return to action on Saturday March 27, at Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland against hometown hero, former British and WBA International super featherweight champion, Alex “Amazing” Arthur of Scotland. He has a professional record of (16-1) 14KO’s. This event is for the vacant IBF Intercontinental super featherweight championship and will be televised on Sky TV. This is Kizza’s second ring appearance of the year. His last fight in January, ended in a first round stoppage of fellow countryman Richard Ochwo Ndungo. Kizza also has an impressive victory over fighters like Roger Mtagwa, Issa Nassir, Louis Mwambo and many other good fighters.
He’ll face his biggest test when he battles on the soil of the former WBA International champion Alex Arthur. This fight will generate a big hit as this also will be a good test for Kizza, who wants to challenge the world’s top ten featherweights. The former African champion had an offer to square off against Scott Harrison for the commonwealth title years ago before Harrison became the WBO featherweight champion. There’s more at steak for Kizza if he gets by Arthur on Saturday. A matchup with Scott Harrison is a real possiblity.
Ike: Tell us a little about your professional Boxing career?
Kizza: I’ve been a 4 time Ugandan Champion in the Super bantamweight and featherweight division. I have also been the East African Champion, and the Zone 5 Champion in the Super Bantamweight. Then I was the African Champion in the super featherweight and challenged for the World title (WBF) Bantamweight but lost because I took off too much weight before the fight. I have fought all around Africa, so it’s time to conquer the world. I’m ranked by the commonwealth. I’ve also fought in Italy and more.
Ike: What can you tell us about your amateur career?
Kizza: My Amateur record was not so big. I lost once and won eighteen times, as I opted instead for an early pro career. However, I have a Boxing Academy called “Mengo Social Center Boxing Academy,” which has produced some of the best current boxers, like John Macky (now in UK) , Dennis Buster (Uk), Zebra Senyange (uk), Australian based Asiku Jackson, Adam Kasim, common wealth siliver medalists welter Mohamed Kayongo (US), Lightheavy Joseph Lubega (now olympic qualifier ), Now Athens Olympic qualifiers l/fly weight Jolly Katongole (gold winner) and Bryan Mayanja (silver in feather). I have status in my country , where I am respected as a role model and have launched a Promotion “Mengo Social Center Boxing Promotions.” Our first fight was in January.
Ike: What’s your career Goal?
Kizza: My target is to fight the best out there. I want to fight Alex Arthur, then see if Scott Harrison will make a deal to fight. If not, we want the best featherweight, like Juan Marquez, Antonio Barrera. I’m willing to fight anyone who wants to fight me.
Ike: Your impression of Alex Arthur?
Kizza: He’s a very good fighter, but I’ll give him a Boxing lesson, on March 27. I’m going to hand him his second lost. I want to thank him for giving me the opportunity to fight him. After that, I want Scott Harrison next. I’ve trained very hard for this fight. I know Arthur is a good boxer, but he must expect a rough fight from me. I know I’ll come out on top in this one.
Ike: What should Boxing fans expect March 27?
Kizza: The fight will be on Sky TV. The Boxing public around the world will get a chance to know who Mike “The Bomber” Kizza is, and I know UK fans will appreciate what they’ll see. It’s well worth their money. I am very much impressed, and happy for the opportunity to hand Alex his second loss and we’re looking forward to follow their foot steps. I know I’m heading in the right direction, as I’m being trained by Mr Ayub Kalule( former world CHAMP), who is guiding me. He’s really helping me a lot. Just look at my 1st round demolition of Ochwo Ndungu Richard. I respect Mr Boza Edawrd so much that I want to emulate his name and go further by becoming the first Ugandan to win a World Title in featherweight and defending it at hometown in Uganda.
Ike: What’s your impression of Ayub Kalule?
Kizza: I have lots of respect for him. He’s a great trainer and I’ve learn a lot from him. He has tought me what it takes to be a world champion, so I’m on a mission to become a world champ. Ayub is guiding me in more technical aspects and defence. I want to be like him. Mr John “The Beast” Mugabi is a big inspiration in my Boxing life, too. I am on the way to achieve things for Uganda also. I want to say hello to my man, IBF No.1 super welterweight contender, Kassim Ourma and other Ugandan Boxers doing good for the Country.
Ike: What else do you want fans to know?
Kizza: I respect these Boxers: Scott Harisson, Michael Broddie, Juan Marquez, Tapia, Spendi Abazi, but they are just temporarily keeping my spot until we handle some business in the ring soon if they want to consider themselves true fighters. After, we take care of Alex Arthur, we need Scott Harrison next. Special thanks to all those that believed in me. See you all at the fight. If you can’t make it to the fight, then checkout Sky TV March 27, 2004. I am going to put a beating on Alex! I hope he comes in shape, because he’s in serious trouble; it’s food time. I’ve been a brave fighter, and I’m not intimidated by any fighter out there. I have fought the best of the cream in Africa, and I even fought bantamweight from featherweight for the WBF title. Though, I lost, but I won the ABU title on a 2 day notice in the super featherweight division. I lost the title to Kpakpo of Ghana in his country, but I showed that I have the heart of the Lion. Ive challenged 3k battery of Thailand, Nadel Hussein of Australia, Mzonke of South Africa , Spend of Denmark, Naseem of UK, Derrick Gainer of USA, Scott Harrison of UK, NICKY of Uk, Barrios of Argentina, but they don’t really want to fight me. A fighter should not be afraid of others.
Ike: Please tell us about your last fight January 26 against Richard Ndungo?
Kizza: I was prepared and in good shape to do alot of things in that fight, but I just used some good head movements and connected to the body. Richard Ochwo Ndungu went down and out in the first round. I have no problem fighting southpaws. When Prince Naseem Hamed was fighting, I offered him a fight when I was the African champion but he never responded. I want to fight the best! I’m tired of all the Boxing politics! If Scott Harrison, and the rest of the champion feels they are the best, then lets get it on! We’ll know who the “Iron Bomber” is soon. They can run but they can’t hide!
Ike: How did Boxing Fans reaction to that fight?
Kizza: They were disappointed that the fight ended quicker than expected, but I had to take him out there as fast I can. Just like I’m going to do it to Alex Arthur on Saturday. It’s not personal – it’s business, people. At my last fight, the fans where really starting to get into the fight and they were appreciating my style. It was for the NRM Celebratin Anniversary fight on 26th January at Hotel “Europe Learns About Africa” – in Kampala, Uganda. I didn’t know it could end so quick, but I know this fight could be simiilar. I respect Alex Arthur as a fighter, but in the ring, all his fans in UK will not be in there fighting for him; It will be me and him. If you have SKY TV, checkout the fight. It’s going to be a WAR! Now the boxing fans, and Media people in UK, will get to see Kizza in action, since it will be shown on SkyTV. I’m in great shape, and this is a major event for me. This is like a world championship for me. This is the fight of my life! I have to make Uganda proud, so I hope to see all my fans at the fight.
Ike: See you at the fight.
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