Sharif Bogere (born October 8, 1988) is a Ugandan professional boxer in the Lightweight division. He is a one-time WBO NABO Lightweight Champion and was named the 2010 Outstanding Young Male Boxer of the Year. Bogere is currently signed to Mayweather Promotions. Bogere is known for his flamboyant ring entrances and aggressive fighting style. He is currently trained by legendary trainer Kenny Adams.
Early life
Sharif grew up living the first 18 years of his life in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda.
Bogere began fighting - unwillingly - when he was 7 years old, fending off thieves and bullies. Bogere beat everyone. Eventually, he made his way into a legitimate gym, where the older veteran boxers took notice of the kid whose shadowboxing looked so fluid and natural. He started spending all of his time at the gym, sometimes practicing for hours without hand wraps or spare change for a drink of water.
This tough upbringing has translated Bogere into maintaining a strong work ethic in and out of the ring as well as a very humble personality.
Amateur career
Sharif was a five-time African Champion and the captain of the Ugandan national boxing team
Bogere finished his amateur career with an astounding record of 68 wins with just 4 losses (68-4-0).
Professional career
Fighting style
Sharif is an orthodox boxer who has gotten praise from the boxing legend Mike Tyson. "I have watched him four times in Vegas and he seems to possess the potential to go far," Tyson said to BoxingScene. "He’s got speed and agility with some pomp. He is very agile."
Trademark
Sharif is known as "The Lion" and the "Lion Warrior". He is carried to the ring in a cage while wearing a legitimate lions head and skin. The lion head and skin he wears came from a lion that was killed in Africa after it had mauled several people. The reasoning behind this spectacular entrance is that Bogere wanted to do something memorable that would excite the fans as well as pay tribute to his native Ugandan fans where his legacy is becoming cemented as a national hero.
Lightweight
On September 18, 2010 Bogere stopped Mexico's Julian Rodriguez at 1:43 of the second round on the undercard of Shane Mosley vs. Sergio Mora by knockout in round 2, on HBO PPV. He dropped Rodriguez, who was unsteady when he got to his feet and referee called it off.
On May 21, 2010, Bogere continued to make a name for himself when he defeated veteran Ilido Julio handily. Bogere nearly drilled Julio out of the ring in the closing seconds of the first round. Julio refused to come out for the start of the sixth round, remaining on his stool and signaling an end to the onslaught.
Bogere vs. Beltran
On May 13, 2011 Bogere defeated Raymundo Beltran in a bloody, headbutt-filled 10 Round main event, for the vacant WBO NABO lightweight title. He had a clear speed advantage against Beltran. Beltran constantly stalked Bogere, walking through his punches and looking to engage him in close quarters. This worked for Beltran at times, but Bogere came through the fight to win the WBO NABO lightweight title by unanimous decision.
On October 7, 2011 Bogere defended his WBO NABO lightweight title by fighting Francisco Contreras. Contreras was also undefeated in 16 fights with 13 by way of KO. Bogere was constantly in control and by the 3rd round stopped Contreras with a knockout blow to the back of the head. Although controversial, referee Jay Nady deemed it to be legitimate and Bogere retained the WBO NABO lightweight title.
Bogere vs. Abril
After two back-to-back victories against Mexico's Sergio Rivera and Manuel Leyva, Bogere would fight Richar Abril for the unified WBA Lightweight Title on March 2, 2013. The fight was originally scheduled for November 24 on the HBO undercard of Robert Guerrero vs. Andre Berto, however Bogere suffered a partial tear of his left Achilles tendon during training and the fight was postponed.
Bogere came out very aggressive and this fight was labeled as a "rough and tumble affair". Bogere was able to get inside and win many of the early rounds. As the later rounds began, Abril began holding Bogere as a tactic and was able to counter punch to win the later rounds. Abril handed Bogere his first professional defeat. After the fight, it was revealed that Bogere had re-injured his Achilles during a middle round, which severely affected his ability to pull out a victory. Floyd Mayweather Sr., who was in attendance disagreed with the decision, saying afterwards that "Bogere won nine rounds, Abril won three".