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A thread about boxers rarely mentioned in this history section, but whose names shouldn’t fall in oblivion.
Here’s a starter: Ugandan Ayub Kalule, a gold medalist (jr. welter) in the 1974 World Amateur Boxing Championships.
Not a big puncher, but technical skilled. 36 straight wins as a pro 1976-81, crowned WBA jr. middle champ in 1979.
Lost the title in 1981 against Sugar Ray Leonard (TKO by 9).
Some quotes:
• A virtual unknown in the United States, Kalule was considered little more than a courier waiting to deliver the belt to Leonard. However, Bob Arum's Top Rank promoted the fight in Houston and Arum predicted that Kalule would beat Leonard, telling the media that it was only by persuasion that he agreed to promote the fight. "I don't want to take the blame when Leonard loses this fight," Arum said. [Not just promotional hype by Arum; the eagerly awaited Leonard-Hearns encounter was in jeopardy.]
• Irving Rudd, a Top Rank press agent, brought a witch doctor named Mugimba to Houston to drum up publicity. Kalule wanted nothing to do with him. "I am embarrassed," he said. "Why do they do this to me, like I am a fool? I didn't just come out of the jungle. Take him away."
• The fight proved more difficult than expected for Leonard as southpaw Kalule repeatedly landed his straight left. Scores after 8 rnds: 2x78-76 and 78-75 in favour of Leonard.
Kalule could handle most men, but lacked that little bit extra to compete with the very best.
After decisioning Sumbu Kalambay in Dec. 1985, Kalule was halted by Herol Graham one and a half month later, and ended up with a 46-4 record.
Here’s a starter: Ugandan Ayub Kalule, a gold medalist (jr. welter) in the 1974 World Amateur Boxing Championships.
Not a big puncher, but technical skilled. 36 straight wins as a pro 1976-81, crowned WBA jr. middle champ in 1979.
Lost the title in 1981 against Sugar Ray Leonard (TKO by 9).
Some quotes:
• A virtual unknown in the United States, Kalule was considered little more than a courier waiting to deliver the belt to Leonard. However, Bob Arum's Top Rank promoted the fight in Houston and Arum predicted that Kalule would beat Leonard, telling the media that it was only by persuasion that he agreed to promote the fight. "I don't want to take the blame when Leonard loses this fight," Arum said. [Not just promotional hype by Arum; the eagerly awaited Leonard-Hearns encounter was in jeopardy.]
• Irving Rudd, a Top Rank press agent, brought a witch doctor named Mugimba to Houston to drum up publicity. Kalule wanted nothing to do with him. "I am embarrassed," he said. "Why do they do this to me, like I am a fool? I didn't just come out of the jungle. Take him away."
• The fight proved more difficult than expected for Leonard as southpaw Kalule repeatedly landed his straight left. Scores after 8 rnds: 2x78-76 and 78-75 in favour of Leonard.
Kalule could handle most men, but lacked that little bit extra to compete with the very best.
After decisioning Sumbu Kalambay in Dec. 1985, Kalule was halted by Herol Graham one and a half month later, and ended up with a 46-4 record.
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