Arereng Kenneth Kent
IBA Presidents Cup 2026
- Host City: Istanbul, Türkiye
- Dates: November 25- December 5, 2026
- Prize Fund: USD 3 Million (Over S12 Billion Shillings)
- Weight Categories: 12 Elite Men’s Divisions
- Gold Medalist: USD100,000(UGX 400 million)
- Silver Medalist: USD 50,000(UGX 200 million)
- Bronze Medalist: USD 25,000(UGX 100 Million)
- Boxers eliminated before reaching the Semis: USD 1000(UGX 4 Million)
From fetching a total of Uganda shillings 157 million at the just concluded IBA Africa Elite Championships in Democratic Republic of Congo, the Uganda Bombers team has now switched focus to the lucrative President’s Cup due November 25-December 5, 2026, in Istanbul, Turkey.
The 20 Man team has officially entered camp to prepare for the inaugural tournament which features eligible amateur and professional boxers. At a flag off ceremony held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in Lugogo, Friends of Boxing representative Teopista Nassuna implored the pugilists to look at boxing as a job that pays off.
“We know that boxing is a talent for our boxers, but they should look beyond. As FOB, we are here for a good cause, and our boxers are definitely getting empowered through such competitions. Money is crucial for their careers,” Teopista emphasized.
Bombers coach Dickson Muhairwe believes that the Presidents’ Cup provides yet another important opportunity for the boxers after a successful harvest in Kinshasha.
” The training camp is an eye opener for us to correct on the mistakes and improve on vital areas. We are ready for the test in Europe, and our boxers will be in the best shape ahead of the global tournament,” Dickson said.
Blend of Amateur and Professional Boxers
The inaugural IBA president’s Cup has blended amateur and professional pugilists from many countries, for the lucrative money tournament. Babu Yusuf, Stanley Mugerwa, Owen Kibira, Masembe Isaac and Musuuza Hassan (Captain) are some of the professional boxers on the 20 Man squad that is in intensive training ahead of the European showdown.
12 Weight Categories
The inaugural global tournament features twelve men’s weight categories including; 50, 52, 55, 60, 65, 70,75,80,90,100 and + 100 kilograms respectively.
The IBA president’s cup is a crucial tournament that offers a lifeline for Ugandan boxers, who are very eager to achieve bigger things for the boxing community in the country and globally since, good performances guarantee progression towards the IBA PRO.
FOB as an organization is bankrolling the entire team which has only two weeks before embarking on a journey that expects to yield gold results.
