Shakib Cham Lutaaya is preparing to return to the boxing ring months after suffering a dramatic knockout defeat last year.
The entrepreneur, who is married to Ugandan socialite Zari Hassan, recently announced on Instagram that he will face Barista Timo in a new boxing match scheduled for April 11, 2026.
Sharing the news with his followers, Shakib expressed confidence ahead of the upcoming bout.
“The battle has been declared! No excuses. No backing down. Shakib Cham vs Barista Timo. April 11, 2026,” he wrote.
The announcement has already generated excitement among fans, particularly given the dramatic outcome of Shakib’s previous fight during the widely publicised The Kampala Rumble.
The Fight That Shocked Fans
Shakib’s last appearance in the ring took place on August 30, 2025, at the MTN Arena Lugogo in Kampala, where he faced Ugandan musician Rickman Manrick.
The celebrity bout had been heavily promoted in the weeks leading up to the event, with both men exchanging heated words and bold predictions that heightened anticipation among fans.
When the match began, both fighters showed aggression and determination in the opening moments. However, the contest ended sooner than many had expected.
In the second round, Shakib briefly dropped his guard and was struck by a powerful counterpunch from Rickman. The blow sent him crashing to the canvas, triggering an eruption of reactions from the crowd.
Clips of the knockout quickly circulated on social media, with many viewers praising Rickman’s surprising boxing ability, while others mocked Shakib’s defeat following weeks of confident trash talk.
A Difficult Moment Ringside
The loss was also an emotional moment for Zari Hassan, who had been cheering for her husband from ringside.
Witnesses at the event reported that the socialite appeared visibly shaken as medical personnel rushed into the ring to attend to Shakib after the knockout.
At one point, Zari was seen holding her head in disbelief as the reality of the defeat unfolded before the packed arena.
Although Shakib later recovered after receiving medical attention, the incident sparked widespread debate online about whether he should continue pursuing celebrity boxing.
A Shot at Redemption
Now, with his upcoming bout against Barista Timo approaching, Shakib appears determined to prove that last year’s defeat does not define his journey in the ring.
Celebrity boxing spectacles like The Kampala Rumble have grown increasingly popular in Uganda, bringing together musicians, influencers, and public figures for entertainment-focused fights that blend sport with showbiz.
For Shakib, the April 11 clash presents an opportunity to redeem himself and demonstrate his resilience despite the painful memories of his previous loss.
As the fight date approaches, fans will be watching closely to see whether he can stage a comeback — or whether the ring will once again deliver unexpected drama.
we are tired of seeing shoes and beards and fingers of different men!5 months to go 
