Ugandan-born, America-based featherweight boxer Sulaiman Segawa has defied expectations and claimed the biggest win of his career, upsetting Ruben Villa in a 10-round unanimous decision this morning at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, USA.
The 33-year-old Segawa, who made his professional debut in 2013, was the underdog in the fight against America’s Ruben Villa, aged 27.
Segawa’s record stood at 17-4-1, 6 KOs, while Villa’s was at 22-2, 7 KOs. However, Segawa started strong, throwing 69 punches in the first round (landing 13), while Villa only landed three punches.
His relentless punch volume and high energy defined the fight, leaving Villa searching for openings and waiting for Segawa to tire. Though Villa landed a stunning uppercut in the fourth round, Segawa’s persistence kept the fight competitive, with intense exchanges throughout.
Segawa managed to hurt Villa (left hand) in the eighth round. Heading into the 10th and final round, Segawa’s trainer, Lawrence Kennedy, confidently assured his fighter that he was winning, while Villa’s corner urged him to give everything he had.
In the end, Segawa’s relentless effort and high punch volume secured him the unanimous decision victory, marking a career-defining upset. The scores were 98-92, 97-93, and 96-94, all in favor of Segawa.
Who is Sulaiman Segawa?
Sulaiman Segawa, commonly known as “The RULER,” was born in Kampala, Uganda, on May 22, 1991.
Currently based in Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, Segawa doubles as a boxer and personal trainer at Urban Boxing DC. He has a southpaw fighting style.
After engaging in over 240 amateur fights, Segawa’s professional career began on April 21, 2013, when he won a four-round bout against Armstrong Mwanje at Sabrina’s Pub in Kampala.
In 2014, Segawa was recruited by UK-based Atlantic Entertainment. He holds the 2023 WBC Silver/NABF USA title and the 2019 National Boxing Association Intercontinental Champion title. In 2016, Segawa was part of the Ugandan Olympic selection that prepared at the Eindhoven Box Cup for the Rio ’16 Olympic games, where he won a silver medal.
