Ali Mirembe, popularly known as “Da Messiah,” has officially opened the door for a high-stakes lightweight showdown with fellow Ugandan contender Henry Oteba, declaring his camp ready to fight anytime, anywhere.

The challenge, issued from Mirembe’s camp this week, signals growing tension in Uganda’s lightweight division and places pressure squarely on Oteba’s team to respond.

An Open Challenge, No Conditions

Speaking through his camp, Mirembe accused Oteba of prolonged avoidance, alleging that repeated discussions have stalled due to what he termed “excuses” surrounding weight.

“We are all lightweights,” Mirembe stated. “There is no reason to keep going around. If they want the fight, we are ready at any time.”

The message was clear: no special demands, no delays — just a fight.

Da Messiah: Youth, Skill, and Momentum

Fighting out of Spyder Boxnation Promotionz, the lightweight contender has quietly built a reputation as one of Uganda’s most intelligent and technically gifted young boxers.

• Record: 8 fights | 5 wins | 3 KOs | 2 losses
• Uganda Ranking: 5 / 26
• World Ranking: 734 / 2,625

Mirembe is coming off a dominant 1st-round TKO victory on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Supremacy Lounge, Nankulabye, a performance that reinforced his readiness for elite domestic competition.

Observers have praised his ring IQ, movement, and composure — attributes that have made him a difficult stylistic matchup despite his youth.

Oteba: The Higher-Ranked Target

Henry Oteba enters the conversation as the division’s No. 2-ranked lightweight in Uganda, carrying both momentum and expectation.

• Record: 10 fights | 9 wins | 5 KOs | 1 loss
• Uganda Ranking: 2 / 26
• World Ranking: 379 / 2,625

On the same November 13 card, Oteba secured a unanimous decision win over Siraje Ssemambo, showcasing discipline and endurance across the distance.

His resume and ranking make him the natural measuring stick for ambitious contenders like Mirembe.

The Weight Question

According to Mirembe’s camp, previous discussions stalled due to Oteba’s concerns about weight alignment. However, Da Messiah’s team insists the matter is settled.

“We’re all lightweights. Let it happen.”

The statement removes one of the last technical barriers and shifts focus to willingness rather than logistics.

What This Fight Would Mean

If made, Mirembe vs Oteba would represent:

• A classic youth-versus-ranking clash
• A potential top-two shake-up in Uganda’s lightweight standings
• A high-skill matchup between explosive sharpness and structured experience

For Mirembe, it’s a chance to fast-track into the division’s elite.
 For Oteba, it’s an opportunity to silence talk of avoidance and assert his status as a title-level contender.

Writer’s Opinion: The Ball Is Now in Oteba’s Court

From a professional standpoint, this challenge is well-timed and well-placed.

Mirembe has momentum, clarity, and no conditions. His camp has done what challengers are supposed to do — call out respectfully, publicly, and decisively.

If Oteba accepts, Ugandan boxing wins.
 If he hesitates, the narrative may shift in ways rankings alone cannot protect.

One thing is certain:
 Da Messiah has spoken — and the lightweight division is listening.