Boxing athlete Musoolu Gerald alias K.O Busungu is set to lock horns with heavyweight champion Okumu Jalaba in a much hyped fixture slated for March this year.
Perhaps, tables may reverse and emulate the 2015 scenario for the man nicknamed Mr K O. For 25-year-old Musoolo (Knockout), hope piles as time draws closer to March 7, 2021 fight, where he wishes to teach his opponent, Okumu Jalaba unforgettable lesson.
He believes it will be completely different against Jalaba who beat him in 2016 in a local tournament. This is what has brought the new coach John Mudungu to Juba to instill in him necessary skills to have assured victory.
“I am ready, no fear anymore for I have an experienced coach with whom we always spend time together. This time will be far different from the past,” said Knockout.
Knockout—who has been battling with life and advancement of his talent—began the boxing career in 2013 and has won several local accolades. This makes him a potential reference pugilist in South Sudan.
Busungu attributed his last loss to inadequate facilities and drilling. Years after this blow, he is fired up to make things right to ensure that he wins the match against Jalaba. Some of the areas sorted include acquiring a trainer and the necessary equipment.
“Past experience is an asset one cannot purchase and much as one has experience he or she can perform effectively,” he said, adding: “The devil you know is better than the holy you have no knowledge of.”
The tournament is set to attract 30 boxers but the lingering stumbling block is the latest reinstatement COVID-19 measures. “I don’t know what will happen when that day comes. But [we] will push so much [to ensure] the event is held in line with COVID-19 preventive measures.’’
He won against two pugilists between 2015 and 2019 in local tournaments fight. He remains in contention to scale to the international levels and make the country recognisable in the sport.
“I love my career and must follow my hearts. Boxing industry is very low in South Sudan and I must champion it so that the world knows every talents exists in this country,’’ he remarked.