The African Boxing Union (ABU) is once again facing tough questions after Uganda’s former top super lightweight, Isaac Ssebuufu, appeared in the ABU November 2025 rankings—despite being officially inactive for more than a year.

Ssebuufu, once Uganda’s number one super lightweight, last competed on September 28, 2024. Following the long inactivity period, his BoxRec profile no longer displays any national or global rankings, as the system automatically removes fighters who go inactive beyond a set duration.

Under these circumstances, boxing analysts and fans argue that Ssebuufu’s inclusion in the latest ABU rankings is highly unusual and appears “procedurally impossible.”

 How Can an Inactive Boxer Be Ranked?

According to standard global ranking practices, fighters who turn inactive lose their ranking positions because:

• They have no recent results
• There is no updated record to evaluate
• Activity is a key requirement for ranking eligibility

This is why Ssebuufu’s sudden appearance on the ABU list has caused confusion.

Local analysts insist that ABU must provide a clear explanation regarding the criteria used. With no current ranking on BoxRec and no fight activity since 2024, experts argue that there is no data from which to fairly or accurately evaluate him.

 Ugandan Boxing Community Wants Answers

Boxing followers in Uganda are questioning how ABU’s ranking committee arrived at its decision. Some have expressed concern that the continental body may be relying on outdated information or overlooking inactivity rules used across major boxing institutions.

A trainer at a leading Kampala gym stated:

“It doesn’t make sense. Once a boxer goes inactive and is removed from global rankings, there’s no basis for a continental body to list him. ABU needs to explain what criteria they used for Ssebuufu.”

This scrutiny comes at a time when ABU was already under pressure following earlier controversies involving Uganda’s super featherweight rankings.

 What Major Boxing Bodies Use as Ranking Criteria

To understand the concern, it’s important to note what top international boxing organizations consider when creating rankings:

1. Activity Level

A fighter must compete regularly. Inactivity for more than 12 months often leads to removal.

2. Quality of Opposition

Wins against credible, ranked, or undefeated opponents carry more weight.

3. Recent Performance

Ranking shifts are heavily based on the outcome of the last two to three fights.

4. Championship Status

Former champions or title contenders are generally ranked higher.

5. Verified Records

Bodies like BoxRec, WBC, WBA, IBF, and WBO all rely on updated, verifiable fight data.

6. Weight-Class Stability

Fighters must remain active in the division they are ranked in.

These criteria make Ssebuufu’s ABU listing difficult to justify without additional explanation.

🇺🇬 ABU Called to Clarify Ranking Integrity

With Uganda’s boxing scene growing rapidly and attracting continental attention, transparency in rankings has become more important than ever.

Analysts argue that unclear ranking decisions damage credibility and risk discouraging active fighters who consistently train, compete, and earn their positions through performance.

Many now believe ABU should issue an official statement clarifying:

• What database or performance record they used for Ssebuufu
• Whether inactive fighters are supposed to be eligible
• If errors or outdated files may have influenced the November list

 The Road Ahead

For Uganda, the biggest priority remains ensuring that its active fighters are ranked fairly and consistently. With Musuza, Tusingwire, and Muwanguzi finally recognized in super featherweight, attention now shifts to the need for accuracy and transparency across all weight divisions.

Until ABU clarifies how an inactive fighter returned to the rankings, the November list will continue to spark debate