Ugandan boxing, Atta Soja is a name gaining significant attention. Born Atalu, he adopted the nickname “Soja,” meaning “warrior,” from a friend and fellow rapper, reflecting his commitment to the sport. However, Soja’s path to professional boxing has not been easy.
His passion for boxing was sparked by his brothers, all of whom were boxers. It was his brother Sharif who first introduced him to the sport, and Soja quickly became dedicated. However, his mother disapproved, leading him to train in secret to avoid being sent to boarding school if she found out. Fortunately, his father supported his ambitions and eventually helped persuade his mother to accept his boxing career.
As an amateur, Soja faced various obstacles, primarily boxing in the cruiserweight division due to Uganda’s limited heavyweight talent. After turning professional, he gained weight and moved up to heavyweight, encouraged by fellow boxer Hakim. Despite his challenges, Soja’s amateur career brought him recognition, albeit limited due to his secretive training.
Now a professional, Soja trains intensively, dedicating three hours to evening workouts and running six miles each morning. His wife, who was initially skeptical about his boxing career, has become his steadfast supporter, managing his nutrition and assisting in his training. Soja expresses deep gratitude for her support, stating, “My wife can do anything any woman can do, so I just put it in mind that my wife is enough for me.”
Soja’s most notable victory came in a rematch against Kakembo Elijah, where he secured a knockout win, solidifying his standing in the heavyweight division. Inspired by the fearless attitude and power of Mike Tyson, Soja believes in his potential for greatness.
As a role model in East Africa, Soja is proud to inspire others through his dedication to boxing. He aims to travel to major countries in 2024 to showcase his skills and elevate Ugandan boxing on the global stage. With his sights firmly set on becoming a champion, Soja remains determined, declaring, “I want to be a great champion, and I believe I can achieve it.”
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