AFRICA OLYMPIC QUALIFIERS: Uganda's Tukamuhebwa, Mawanda, Ssenyange Jr battle on

Ugandan boxers Joshua Tukamuhebwa, Shafik Fathia Mawanda, and Isaac Zebra Ssenyange Jr have fought their way to the quarterfinals, each eyeing a step closer to qualification for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

The three pugilists are now on a mission to secure coveted spots in the semifinals as they gear up for crucial bouts in the African Boxing Olympic Qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal.

Bombers captain, Joshua Tukamuhebwa, made an impressive statement in the Men's 63.5kg category during the round of 16 pounding Gabon's Ndjinga Clinton Farlo in the second round.

The hard punching boxer will clash with Tunisia's Dridi Mehdi.

Shafik Fathia Mawanda, quietly plotted his path in the Men's 51kg category by defeating Senegal's Sow Pape Mamadou.

Mawanda's remarkable journey to the quarterfinals sets the stage for an intense showdown with South Africa's Allotey Theophilus Kpakpo.

With a semifinal spot hanging in the balance, Mawanda is prepared to give his all in this pivotal match.

Isaac Zebra Ssenyange Jr, carrying on the legacy of his late father, Zebra Mando, demonstrated his mettle by defeating South Africa's Simnikiwe Bongco in the round of 16.

He will have to go past another opponent from the Southern part of the continent as he faces Lesotho's Michael Pakela.

Ssenyange Jr's determination to honour his father's legacy and secure an Olympic berth adds an emotional dimension to his journey.

Uganda sent only eight boxers of the 13 that were required for the qualifiers. Shadir Musa Bwogi – controversial selection – did not progress past the first round.

In an exclusive interview with Pulse Sports Uganda, Shadir Musa apologized for his poor show at the Olympic qualifiers in Dakar, Senegal.

The Africa Boxing Union Champion, lost to Algeria’s Younes Nemouchi in the Men’s 80kgs 5-0 in the round of 32 on Sunday.

The former bombers captain was eyeing a second appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, having featured at the 2020 Tokyo edition, although he lost 3-1 to Georgia’s Eskerkhan Madiev.

There will be no Ugandan female boxer in Paris 2024, after Grace Nankinga was also knocked out in her first bout by Tanzania’s Yusufu Zulfa Macho.

The bout saw Macho secure a unanimous victory, with all five judges ruling in her favor with scores of 29-28, 30-27, 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28.

In the 57 Kg category, Jonathan Kyobe had a tough battle against Mozambique's Rogoberto Armando Sigauque, ultimately leading to Kyobe's defeat.