Uganda’s super welterweight division could be on the verge of one of its most highly anticipated matchups, as boxing circles intensify calls for a showdown between Sulaiman “KO Busungu” Musaalo and Owen Isaac Kibira. Both young, undefeated, and rapidly rising, the two prospects have built compelling resumes that now demand a decisive clash for national dominance.

Two Fast-Rising Forces in Ugandan Boxing

Sulaiman Musaalo, famously known as KO Busungu, has carved a reputation as one of the most dangerous punchers in the region. The Nara Promotionz standout is ranked 3rd of 31 in Uganda and 291st of 2,315 worldwide with a perfect record of 8 wins, 7 by knockout (87.5% KO rate) since turning professional on January 14, 2023. His power, discipline and steady rise have convinced many that he is a future title contender beyond the national level.

On the other side of the ring is Owen Isaac Kibira, the fast-surging star under 12 RDS Sports Promotion. In a remarkably short period, Kibira has climbed to a ranking of 2nd of 31 in Uganda and an impressive 179th worldwide, all after only three professional fights since debuting on May 24, 2025. Even more notable, all three bouts took place in Kenya, meaning Kibira’s growth has come without fighting on home soil. His professional debut saw him stop Abdallah Yoba via 6th-round TKO, immediately signaling the arrival of a serious contender.

The Fight That Almost Happened

After Kibira’s first pro victory, his camp sought KO Busungu as a second opponent, a move that was not supported by the Busungu team at the time. Rumors pointed to concerns over Kibira’s then-low ranking and financial disagreements. However, as Kibira’s stock skyrocketed and his ranking surpassed Busungu’s, many in the boxing community now believe the timing is perfect.

Today, analysts, fans, and promoters are openly calling for the matchup, arguing that both fighters are young, undefeated, and on a collision course in the same division. With momentum behind each man, the bout is no longer just a possibility; it’s becoming a public demand.

Comparison: Busungu vs Kibira

 Sulaiman “KO Busungu” Musaalo and Owen Kibira share the spotlight as two of Uganda’s fastest-rising super welterweight prospects, yet their paths to prominence have unfolded in strikingly different ways. Busungu, ranked 3rd out of 31 nationally and 291st out of 2,315 worldwide, boasts an undefeated record of eight victories with seven knockouts, reflecting a powerful 87.5% KO rate since making his professional debut on January 14, 2023 under Nara Promotionz. Kibira, however, has surged even more rapidly up the rankings, sitting 2nd in Uganda and 179th globally despite having just three professional bouts—all of which he won by knockout, maintaining a perfect 100% stoppage rate. Promoted by 12 RDS Sports Promotion, Kibira turned professional on May 24, 2025 and has impressively earned his reputation without yet fighting on home soil, with all his contests taking place in Kenya. While Busungu’s experience and dominance within Uganda contrast with Kibira’s accelerated rise from foreign rings, their undefeated records and knockout power have created growing public demand for a head-to-head clash that could reshape the future of the division. 

Similarities

• Both are young, undefeated, and rising rapidly.
• Both show tremendous knockout power.
• Both are future national title contenders.
• Both are considered among the most promising talents in the super welterweight category.

Differences

• Kibira has fought exclusively abroad, showing adaptability.
• Busungu has stronger experience with more fights and more rounds.
• Kibira’s ranking has grown unusually fast, attracting continental attention.
• Busungu has already built a dominant identity as a knockout specialist.

Who Has the Edge?

• Power: Slight advantage to Kibira with a 100% KO rate, though from fewer fights.
• Experience and ring maturity: Clear advantage to Busungu, who has double the fight count.
• Ranking momentum: Kibira, based on his rapid climb.
• Technical ring IQ: Currently seen as Busungu due to longer ring exposure.

Writer’s Opinion

While both men are exceptional prospects, this writer believes the fight should happen now before international opportunities take them in different directions. Busungu’s experience gives him an early tactical edge, but Kibira’s fearless rise and perfect KO ratio make this a dangerous and unpredictable encounter.

If negotiations are handled well, this could be the biggest domestic super welterweight matchup in Uganda in recent years, potentially boosting the sport and giving the winner a clear path to continental and global title contention.

Ugandan boxing deserves this fight. The fans deserve it. And the time is now.