Uganda’s boxing hopes have received an early boost as national standout Bob Turyatemba officially became the first Ugandan boxer to arrive in Dubai ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships, set to run from December 2–13 at the iconic Dubai Tennis Stadium. Turyatemba touched down alongside his coach, the experienced Skills Kalungi, signaling serious intent for what promises to be one of the biggest events in amateur boxing history.

This year’s Championships headline a spectacular two-week Festival of Boxing, organized by the International Boxing Association (IBA), featuring an unprecedented $8 million prize purse—the largest in the sport’s history. With $300,000 awarded to each gold medalist, boxers from around the world will compete not only for global glory but also the richest financial rewards ever offered at an IBA event.

IBA President Umar Kremlev emphasized that the monumental prize pool reflects the federation’s commitment to honoring the combined efforts of athletes, coaches and national federations. All prizes will be shared accordingly: 50% to the boxer, 25% to coaches, and 25% to each nation’s boxing federation.

“This World Championships is not just about records and prize money – it is about giving every boxer, every coach and every National Federation the respect and reward they deserve,” noted Kremlev.

Turyatemba: Uganda’s Best Hope on the Global Stage

At just 13 professional bouts deep, Bob Turyatemba remains unbeaten, boasting 13 wins with 7 coming by knockout. His explosive style, technical maturity and remarkable consistency have already made him one of Uganda’s most promising fighters.

He is currently ranked:

• 3rd out of 22 professional boxers in Uganda, and
• 134th out of 2,680 worldwide,

an impressive standing that highlights how rapidly his reputation has grown. Many in Uganda view Turyatemba as a generational talent capable of breaking new ground for the nation on the world stage.

Coach Skills Kalungi, one of the country’s brightest boxing minds, expressed confidence that early arrival will give them a competitive advantage in conditioning, acclimatization and preparation.

A Chance to Make History

The 2025 Championships present a massive opportunity for Turyatemba—not only to showcase Uganda’s boxing pedigree but also to potentially secure a share of the historic prize pool. Should he medal, the rewards would offer life-changing impact for him, his coach and Uganda’s boxing federation.

With the world’s elite fighters assembling in Dubai, all eyes now shift to how Uganda’s unbeaten star will perform under the global spotlight.

As the countdown to the Festival of Boxing begins, Bob Turyatemba stands ready, carrying with him the hopes and expectations of a nation eager to see one of its brightest talents shine on the grandest stage yet.