The much-anticipated clash between Isaac Masembe and Ezra Ssali — originally slated for 27th August 2025 and now rescheduled to 25th September 2025 at Supremacy Lounge, Kampala — has taken an unexpected twist, leaving fans and analysts puzzled.

The surprise? Just days before the showdown with Masembe, Ssali is officially matched against Sultan Al Nuaimi in Dubai on 13th September 2025 at the Round 10 Boxing Club.

A Dubai Mountain to Climb

For Ssali, it will be no ordinary fight. His opponent, Sultan Al Nuaimi, is a dominant force in the super flyweight and bantamweight divisions, boasting an undefeated 12-0 record with 7 knockouts. Fighting Al Nuaimi in his own backyard is already considered a monumental challenge for the Ugandan prospect, who is still establishing his footing in the professional ranks.

One Week, Two Giants

What raises eyebrows even more is the tight turnaround. If Ssali travels to Dubai, fights Al Nuaimi on the 13th, and returns to Uganda, he will have barely a week to recover before stepping into the ring with Isaac Masembe, one of Uganda’s most feared featherweights, on the 25th.

Masembe (7 fights: 6 KOs, 1 draw), ranked 2nd in Uganda and 112th globally, is a natural featherweight with a reputation for punishing power and relentless pressure. Facing him on short rest — especially after a potential war in Dubai — appears, to many, as a near-impossible task.

A Risky Gamble?

Ssali (5-0, 3 KOs), the current #1 bantamweight in Uganda, has never fought at featherweight and is now staring down two dangerous assignments across two different weight dynamics. The decision has sparked widespread debate.

• Is this a bold gamble to fast-track his career?
• Or an ill-advised schedule that could derail his unbeaten record?

While some fans praise Ssali’s bravery, others argue that back-to-back fights of this magnitude could compromise his health and performance.

All Eyes on September

As it stands, boxing fans will be watching closely. Will Ssali actually take on both challenges? Can he shock Dubai by upsetting Al Nuaimi — and still have enough left in the tank to stand toe-to-toe with Masembe in Kampala?

What’s certain is that September 2025 could make or break Ezra Ssali’s career.