Scots Have A Mr Crush On Me

Mar 30 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

UGANDAN sensation Badru Lusambya believes Scottish boxing fans will take him to their hearts and adopt him as one of their own.

The 26-year-old, known as Mr Crush due to his devastating knock-out record, arrived in Scotland last week vowing to be our next world champion.

Lusambya admits he wants to fight for this country, not his homeland, and bring a world belt back to Scotland for the first time since fallen star Scott Harrison.

The middleweight southpaw has been recruited by Barry Hughes and featured on the Braveheart Promotions show at the SECC last night against Gheorghe Danut.

Lusambya is loving life in his new home and revealed how watching blockbuster The Last King Of Scotland - starring Forest Whitaker and James McAvoy - made him want to come and fight here.

Badru said: "I have seen the film and although it's about the former president of Uganda, Idi Amin, it inspired me to come here.

"When I watched the movie I had an affinity with Scotland straight away and want to fight for this country.

"It's my dream to be world champion now - I want all four belts at WBO, WBC, WBA and IBF.

"I think I will be popular with boxing fans in this country because I go for the knock-out at all times - that's why I'm called Mr Crush.

"The Scottish people are full of passion and I love it here. The gym is great and training is going well.

"I'd like to stay in Scotland for life, this is my new home and I'll never go back to Uganda.

"The boxing is at a high level here, everything is perfect. I want to be world champ for Scotland."

Lusambya has an unblemished record of 17 wins out of 17 - and an incredible 16 were knock-outs.

He is the former African Union belt holder but had to flee to

Europe to realise his full potential.

Farming for survival in Uganda, Badru thought his future lay in football before taking up boxing.

He said: "I spent most ofmy time on anthill-infested football pitches in Katwe, a filthy slum in Kampala.

"Even during childhood I never thought of associatingmyself with a boxing ring or punching bag.

Inspiration

"I thought my future was in football. I played for many teams including second division side Jubilee Park FC.

"In 1996 I developed a love for boxing after inspiration from my friend and former Ugandan national team boxer David Lusimbo.

That is why I quit soccer. In 1998 after a year's training under Lusimbo I joined the senior ranks and made a name for myself.

"I registered numerous stoppages despite only being a novice.

"But I had to leave Uganda. It's better here for me. There are big problems in Uganda - we've had the guerrilla war and the people have no money.

"So I had to come here.

I'm the newest and best Scottish fighter."

Lusambyamay be known as Mr Crush in his homeland but is open to a new nickname from Scots fans.

He could also wear the Saltire on his shorts if he continues his progress towards a title shot.

Lusambya said: "I'll wear Scottish colours in the ring - the flag or maybe tartan!

"I got the name Mr Crush from my old manager in Uganda. Now I want to be the king of Scotland or maybe Bad Badru! My dream is to be No.1."