The July 2025 African Boxing Union (ABU) welterweight rankings (147 lb / 66.678 kg) have ignited heated debate in the boxing community after Uganda’s unbeaten prospect, Bob Turyatemba, was left off the continental list despite boasting a flawless 12-0 record with 7 knockouts.

Turyatemba, ranked 3rd nationally and 151st worldwide, extended his winning streak with a dominant first-round knockout over Herbert Mugarura at Club Obligato, Kampala, on July 11, 2025. His omission has puzzled many fans and insiders, especially when Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Paul Kamanga retained his ABU spot.

Kamanga, based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has a 27-fight résumé with 24 wins (13 KOs) and 3 defeats (2 by KO), currently ranked 2nd in DRC and 228th worldwide. However, his recent form has been mixed — three wins and two knockout losses in his last five bouts, including a split-decision victory over South Africa’s Prince Dlomo on June 16, 2025.

While critics question why Kamanga ranks above Turyatemba, popular Ugandan boxer Isaac Zebra Jr has stepped in to defend the Congolese fighter’s standing.

“Paul Kamanga is a former WBC Intercontinental Super Lightweight Champion. His BoxRec ranking might be lower than Bob’s right now, but in the WBC rankings, he will always rank higher as a former champion,” Zebra Jr told reporters.

Zebra Jr’s remarks underline a key factor often overlooked in public debates over rankings — the influence of past titles and international credentials on sanctioning bodies’ decisions. His perspective suggests that Kamanga’s track record at elite level, including his WBC accolades, carries significant weight in ABU’s evaluation, even if current form appears less dominant than Turyatemba’s.

Still, the controversy highlights a broader issue for African boxing: the need for transparency in ranking processes. As calls grow for the ABU to clarify its criteria, stakeholders warn that perceived inconsistencies could stifle rising talents like Turyatemba from earning deserved title shots and higher-profile fights.

For now, the debate rages on — with Zebra Jr’s verdict adding another dimension to a story that’s put continental boxing rankings under the microscope.