The July 2025 African Boxing Union (ABU) welterweight rankings (147 lb / 66.678 kg) have sparked heated debate among fans and insiders after Uganda’s undefeated rising star Bob Turyatemba was left off the list — despite holding a spotless record of 12 wins, 7 by knockout, and being ranked 3rd in Uganda and 151st worldwide.

Turyatemba’s omission has left many puzzled, especially when Paul Kamanga of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who resides in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, retained a spot in the ABU ratings. Kamanga boasts an impressive 27-fight record with 24 wins (13 KOs) and 3 losses (2 by KO), ranked 2nd in DRC and 228th worldwide. However, in his last five outings, Kamanga has suffered two knockout defeats and three wins, the most recent being a split decision victory over South Africa’s Prince Dlomo on Monday, June 16, 2025.

By contrast, Turyatemba’s last fight — a first-round knockout of Herbert Mugarura at Club Obligato, Kampala, on Friday, July 11, 2025 — extended his unbeaten streak to 12, with five consecutive wins in recent bouts, all without a single loss on record.

Critics question how Kamanga, who last fought in June, was ranked ahead of Turyatemba, whose dominant July performance came before the release of the rankings. Observers argue that such inconsistencies in the ABU’s ranking process could deny deserving fighters critical opportunities for continental titles and higher-profile bouts.

As calls for clarification grow louder, boxing stakeholders are urging the ABU to be more transparent about its ranking criteria, warning that unexplained omissions risk undermining the credibility of the sport on the continent and stifling emerging talent.