Uganda’s boxing fraternity was buzzing today after a heated sparring session at COPAB Boxing Gym involving unbeaten professional welterweight Bob Turyatemba and top amateur sensation Bate. The session, conducted under strict supervision and closed to the public, ended dramatically — with reports indicating that one of the two fighters was dropped by a clean knockdown during the exchanges.

Though officials have declined to reveal who went down, the news has heightened speculation across the boxing community, especially with both fighters currently under evaluation for potential inclusion in Team Uganda ahead of the 2025 IBA Men’s Elite World Championships in Dubai.

A High-Stakes Test Between Two of Uganda’s Finest

The sparring was not routine; it was part of UBF’s technical assessment program. With professionals like Farahat Manirola and Bob Turyatemba being considered for the Bombers squad, today’s session carried extra weight.

• Bob Turyatemba, unbeaten and known for his discipline and sharp ring IQ, was expected to showcase his professional-level maturity and pressure management.
• Bate, widely regarded as one of the country’s most promising amateur prospects, entered the ring with speed, hunger, and the ambition to prove he can match — or exceed — pro-level intensity.

Witnesses described the sparring as fast-paced, tactical, and extremely physical from the opening bell.

Who Was Dropped? Mystery Deepens After the KO Incident

Multiple sources confirm that one fighter was dropped hard during a heated exchange, forcing trainers to pause the session. However, neither camp, nor UBF officials, have disclosed which boxer hit the canvas.

The secrecy has led to divided speculation:

• Some believe Bate was the one dropped, noting the difficulty amateurs sometimes face when adjusting to professional-level power and precision.
• Others argue it could have been Bob, pointing to the unpredictable nature of sparring and the hunger of young amateurs who often push the pace aggressively.

Without confirmed details, the incident has only added fuel to the competitive fire within the Bombers’ preparation program.

A Crucial Moment Before National Team Finalization

UBF is expected to release its final squad announcement in the coming weeks. While today’s sparring knockout is not expected to disqualify either fighter from contention, it does underline the intensity of the internal competition.

With the 2025 IBA World Championships offering a record-breaking $8 million prize pool, every fighter — amateur or professional — is fighting not just for national pride, but for life-changing rewards.

Next Steps

Coaches and technical staff are expected to review today’s session footage before making further decisions. Meanwhile, both Turyatemba and Bate are scheduled to continue training as selection preparations intensify.

The sparring KO at COPAB Gym has already become one of the most talked-about moments of the training camp — and it may prove to be a defining chapter in Uganda’s road to Dubai.