In one of the most talked-about matchups ahead of Kampala Fight Night on 27th August 2025 at Supremacy Lounge, two of Uganda’s most promising boxing talents will collide — but under circumstances raising more questions than answers.

Featherweight powerhouse Isaac Masembe (7 bouts: 6 wins – all by KO – and 1 draw) will take on the undefeated Ezra Ssali (5 fights, 5 wins, 3 KOs) over 8 rounds. On paper, it’s a mouthwatering clash — but when you look closely at the numbers, the weight-class puzzle becomes impossible to ignore.

The Weight-Class Mystery

Ezra Ssali has built his perfect record entirely in the bantamweight division (53.5 – 55 kg), never stepping over the limit. In fact, his heaviest weigh-in was 55.1 kg against Arnold Ajuna, with most of his fights fought around 54.1 kg. This time, however, he’s set to compete in featherweight (55.34 – 57.15 kg) — a division he has never touched before.

On the other hand, Masembe is a natural featherweight and has even pushed up to 58.0 kg in the past. His pro career shows no fight under 57.0 kg, and right now, insiders say he’s walking around heavier than the division limit.

A Dangerous Step Up

Moving up in weight means Ssali will be facing a naturally bigger, stronger, and more experienced opponent. Masembe is not only ranked 2nd in Uganda and 112th worldwide at featherweight, but he has also proven himself against high-caliber opponents, including a hard-fought draw in Tanzania against Luqman Kimoko.

Ssali, meanwhile, dominates the bantamweight rankings — #1 in Uganda and #353 globally — but has never experienced the speed–power combination that comes with fighting naturally bigger men.

What’s Behind the Decision?

This raises the big question: Why did Ezra Ssali take this fight?

Was it a financial incentive? A chance to prove he can dominate beyond bantamweight? Or is it a strategic gamble to shock the Ugandan boxing scene with an upset win over one of the country’s most feared KO artists?

Fans are split. Some see it as a brave warrior’s challenge. Others call it a dangerous mismatch in size and experience. Either way, the stage is set for a fight that could redefine careers — or ruin records.

On 27th August at Supremacy Lounge, all eyes will be on the scale at weigh-in — and then on the ring when two divisions collide.