Local boxing supporters promised an extra bonus for Ugandan boxers for medals in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games starting Wednesday in Australia, local media reported Tuesday.

Kampala Central Division chairman-elect Godfrey Nyakana, a former Commonwealth champion has staked big cash prizes for any medal won by the Ugandan boxer: 1 million Uganda shillings (550 US dollars) for gold, 275 dollars for silver and 138 dollars for bronze.

Uganda was fielding a four-man Bombers' side in boxing that was scheduled to start on Friday at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. The Bombers included Martin Mubiru, Atanas Mugerwa, Eddy Akora and Sharif Bogere.

Ugandan boxing promoter Sam Lukanga 'Don King' of Lukanga Boxing Club said flyweight Mubiru had both the experience and skill to reach the medal bracket while Mugerwa was also well tested at the International level. Mubiru reached the quarterfinals in Manchester 2002.

"He is mature and experienced compared to his teammates," Lukanga said of Mubiru Monday. Bogere, 18, the youngest boxer on the team was also from the same club of Lukanga Boxing Club.

Source: Xinhua