Juuko warns against merging amateur and professional boxing

Former professional boxer Justin Juuko has joined the chorus of voices criticizing the recent National Sports Act 2023, which compels the unification of amateur and professional boxing under one national entity. Juuko argues that this integration is inherently dangerous, particularly for younger, amateur athletes.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting, Juuko emphasized that the distinct nature of amateur and professional boxing necessitates separate governance. He pointed to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) past issues with the International Boxing Association (IBA) for attempting to oversee both disciplines, highlighting potential financial controversies and safety risks.

Juuko expressed concern that the lure of prize money, even for youth tournaments, might overshadow the welfare of young boxers who are often underage and legally unable to sign contracts. He drew a parallel to other sports like football, where protective measures like substitutions are possible, contrasting it with boxing’s unforgiving nature where safety is paramount.

“Professional boxing is business… You don’t mix both aspects. It’s unsafe for the amateurs, who are usually younger,” Juuko stated, advocating for truth to protect the sport.

Furthermore, Juuko criticized the current leadership of the Uganda Boxing Federation (UBF), led by Moses Muhangi, citing the Ugandan team’s poor performance at the recent Commonwealth Games as evidence of systemic failure. He drew on his own experience, noting that 36 years after he and his peers won gold, the sport still struggles to achieve similar success, suggesting a need for leadership change.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/boxing/juuko-mixing-amateur-and-pro-boxing-is-dangerous-5581150