Of late we have seen Ugandan celebrities take over the boxing world despite their amateurism when it comes to professional boxing. We saw singer Rickman Manrick fight fellow singer Grenade Official on December 26, 2024 and later, socialite Zari Hassan’s husband Shakib Lutaaya on June 20, 2026, with these matches attracting a lot of buzz on social media and in the arenas. Tiktokers Mickey seems2funny and Dr Cephco also had a ‘successful’ match on February 3, 2024, in which Mickey prevailed, and just last Thursday, Comedian Shawa took on content creator Chicken Chicken in another blockbuster match that saw Shawa embarrass Chicken Chicken with a knockout. In the near future Prima Kardashi will fight Zahara Toto in a highly anticipated match… the list goes on, as boxing becomes the favourite pastime for Ugandan socialites and celebrities. And this raises concern: how come there is no single pro boxer with such motion in the general public? In fact, ordinary Ugandans would be hard-pressed to name one professional pugilist. Well the answer is simple; pro boxers have let Ghetto ‘yuts’ infiltrate the game. Ghetto ‘yut’ is a polite term for hooligans from the ghetto. These young, rowdy men have frequently popped up at boxing events in large numbers to beat, rob and snatch phones and jewellery from boxing lovers, in what they refer to as “okusuuza silver” which means to take someone else’s silver. These acts have pushed away many fans who fear to fall victim of these heists. Some pro boxers such as Shadir Musa have come out to call out this hooliganism, but if not backed up by Uganda Boxing Federation, this type of behaviour won’t stop. It is affecting the game and destroying many dreams and efforts of those who dare to forge their names in the sport. isaiahsaviomukisa@gmail.comThe post Why professional boxers are overshadowed by celebrities appeared first on The Observer Media Ltd.