Tukamuhebwa loses quarterfinals, coach claims foul play by judges

Tukamuhebwa lost to Wyatt Sanford from Canada on a split decision 4:1 in the men’s light welterweight category. The result means Tukamuhebwa misses out on the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games medal bracket after winning two bouts and losing in quarterfinals.

Joshua Tukamuhebwa Pulse

Speaking after the bout, a heartbroken bombers coach Patrick Lihanda says Tukamuhebwa won the fight. He added the boxer was the talk of the games in boxing circles and he largely suspects foul play.

“As a coach, I see Joshua won the fight. Joshua has been a very aggressive fighter in the last matches and they were intimidated. They did not want an African to progress and win the gold medal. This was their opportunity to lock him out”, he noted.

However, Tukamuhebwa accepted the results saying that the Canadian had his lucky day as the fight could have gone either way.

“I won the first round but in the second round, we were in a draw and the third round was the decisive. In the final round, he was overly defensive…He also wanted the win but I think it was his lucky day. I have no regrets, I have done my part”, he said.

Tukamuhebwa defeated Northern Ireland’s John Paul Hale in his opening match. He won on points 3-2, unanimous decision to take the day. In his second match, he thumped Australian defeating Billy Polkinghorn.

Meanwhile Nakimuli Teddy won by walk over after her opponent failed to make the weight.