Uganda's 'The Hunter' Adyaka Passes After Brave Fight with Brain Cancer

Phillip ‘The Hunter’ Adyaka, a celebrated figure from Uganda’s Bombers boxing team, passed away in Saint Paul, Minnesota, following multiple surgeries and treatments for brain cancer. Born in Mbale and raised in Kampala, he dreamed of Olympic glory and world titles from age 12.

Adyaka’s amateur career shone brightly with 207 fights, just six losses, and golds at the East African Military Games, 2001 Africa Boxing Championship in South Africa, and 2004 World Military Championship. He boxed for Lukanga, KCC, and UPDF clubs before turning pro in 2007 after a controversial exit from the AIBA World Championships camp in Chicago.

As a professional super featherweight southpaw from 2008 to 2021, he recorded 7 wins (4 KOs), 16 losses in 21 bouts. Despite a tougher pro run, his aggressive pressure, powerful right hand, and adaptable style—switching between boxing and brawling—earned widespread respect.

Ranked ninth in bantamweight by Ring Magazine in 2015 and 86th in featherweight by BoxRec, Adyaka retired frustrated by management issues, not lack of skill. He relaxed pre-fight with squash, swimming, or pool, and planned a promotion company with David Kibirango and Yusuf Kityo to mentor young talent.

A UPDF soldier at Bombo Barracks, he might have taught like his family without boxing. He leaves wife Christina Thone Adyaka, her child in the US, and his child in Uganda. Per his wishes, he’ll be buried in Minnesota at Elmhurst Cemetery after services at Bradshaw Funeral Home.

Adyaka’s unbreakable spirit echoes beyond the ring.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)