Umar Semata
| Umar Semata | |
|---|---|
 Umar Semata Muay Thai Champion | |
| Born |
May 20, 1987 Kampala, Uganda |
| Other names | The Pain |
| Nationality |
 Ugandan |
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 1⁄2 in) |
| Weight | 68 kg (150 lb; 10.7 st) |
| Division | Welterweight Middleweight Super Middleweight |
| Style | Muay Thai |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Phuket, Thailand |
| Team |
Muay Thai Plaza (2010-2012) Lion Muay Thai (2012-present) |
| Trainer | Satawut Intapun |
| Years active | 9 (2005–present) |
| Kickboxing record | |
| Total | 39 |
| Wins | 29 |
| By knockout | 16 |
| Losses | 10 |
|
| |
Umar Semata (born May 20, 1987) is a Ugandan welterweight, middleweight and super middleweight Muay Thai kickboxer who is the current World Boxing Council Muaythai Super Middleweight International Champion, a title he has held since 14 June 2013.[1]
Biography and career
Early career
Semata's career in fighting started at the tender age of 15 when he joined a gym in his local suburb in Kamapala where he learnt boxing under the tutelage of local coach Mohammad Ngima. After winning numerous local trophies he was spotted by Shala Golola who immediately recognized his talents and convinced him to swap boxing for Muay Thai.[2] After a few local fights Semata was at the tender age of 18 selected to represent the Ugandan national Muay Thai team. He was a part of the national team to compete in Thailand in 2010.
Move to Thailand
Despite losing his first fight by decision a local promoter saw the potential in the young Ugandan and offered him a contract at his gym in Bangkok. During this period he fought numerous Thai opponents and began to gain prominence. It was in 2012 that he was offered a contract by Lion Muay Thai in Phuket.
International Recognition
Fight with Saenchai
After impressing in a number of local fights a fight was arranged with Thai legend Saenchai. The fight was set for the 20th of July 2012 and would be the billed as the feature fight for Muay Thai Gala in Ratchaburi Province.
Although losing on points the local Muay Thai community began to take note of the young Ugandan who had been one of the few foreign fighters to go the distance with Saenchai.[3]
WBC Championship
After a series of impressive performances Semata was given a chance to compete for the World Boxing Council Muaythai against Australian fighter Rhys Karakyriacos.
The fight took take in Semata's hometown of Kampala, Uganda on the 14th of June 2013. Semata won the bout on a points decision to become the only current Sub-Saharan African Muay Thai International champion.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ "WBC MUAYTHAI Championships come to continental Africa". WBC Muay Thai. July 9, 2013. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
- ↑ "Semata has Golola to thank". Daily Monitor. May 19, 2013. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
- ↑ "Ugandan Umar Semata fighting Saketdao Petchpayathai". Guy Lazarus. March 20, 2013. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
- ↑ "WBC Muay Thai Championships come to continental Africa". World Boxing Council. June 16, 2013. Retrieved October 17, 2013.
| Sporting positions | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Rhys Karakyriacos |
World Boxing Council Muay Thai Interim Super Middleweight Champion June 14, 2013 – |
Succeeded by N/A |