Emmanuel Shija of Tanzania (left) and Mosses Golola of Uganda during a weigh-in on the eve of their 2014 kick-boxing fight in Jinja, Uganda. Shija lost in the first round. PHOTO | FILE
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However, the two will not exchange blows in traditional kick-boxing, instead, they will clash in another form of the energy demanding combat sport --Muay-Thai.
Dar es Salaam. Emmanuel Shija, one of the Tanzania’s finest kick-boxing fighters, is back in action in a rematch against Uganda’s Mosses Golola.
However, the two will not exchange blows in traditional kick-boxing, instead, they will clash in another form of the energy demanding combat sport --Muay-Thai.
Shija, who lost to the Ugandan motor mouth in December, 2014, will be looking for revenge when they fight it out in Extra Kombat Africa’s Series bout planned for Nairobi, Kenya on October 1.
The self-styled ‘No Joking Subject’ celebrated a knockout victory over Shija from Crested Crane Hotel, Jinja.
Within a minute, the much anticipated five-round fight was all but over after a well calculated kick from Golola saw Shija kiss the ground and did not return. But it was easy for Golola for one big reason; Shija sustained a knee injury on a slippery canvass immediately after the start of the fight.
Nonetheless, Shija says he has gone from strength to strength and will not be looking to box his way to a decision. Instead, he will be out to punish the Ugandan.
“Yes, I lost that match in Uganda, but that can’t tell a true story of my fighting ability. I still believe that he shouldn’t have survived my assault had it not been for a knee injury I picked early in the first round,” Shija told The Citizen yesterday.
“I have been praying for a rematch against him for a long time and thanks God that it is now in sight. I want to show my sceptics what I am capable of. I’m really excited to face Golola again.
“He will definitely see a different Shija come October 1. I’m fitter and I have worked on the gaps in my fighting skills. The Ugandan must fall,” he assured.
He added: “Another advantage is that, we will face off on a neutral ground, so fans should be poised for a rare treat.”
Carrying heavy logs
Prior to their 2014 fight, Golola’s training involved running distances, carrying and dissecting heavy logs in the forest to enhance his endurance.
However, Shija laughed off his opponents training tactics, branding it a waste of time.
“That’s crazy; you don’t have to waste your energy carrying logs for a fight. Training has to be professional and systematic. I am unfazed by his tactics and this time around, he will kiss the ground on a neutral venue,” said Shija. Shija said that he would step up a gear in training in order to upstage the Ugandan motor mouth at Kasarani.
“I have been training regularly at Joez Gym (Kawe), but I will move up a gear in training to attain my fittest level ahead of the fight,” he said.
