Alex Matsiko famously known as the “Lion Heart” was born 19th June 1985 to family of the late Emmanuel Ndyareeba and Barbra Ndyareeba who lives in Karengire Rubaya village Kabale district.
Masiko started his primary school from Kitooma primary school in Kabale district , later joined joined Brainstorm high school for O’ Level in 2001 and Highway Makerere College school for A’level in 2003.
He joined Makerere University in 2005 pursuing (BIFA) Bachelors degree in Industrial and Fine Art in 2005 but dropped out after landing an opportunity to travel to Iraq in 2006 for studies.
He pursued a course in human trafficking and Anti-terrorism.
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In 2007, Alex went back to Iraq for a two year self defense course with US Special Forces up to 2010. He also acquired training in (PSD) Personal Security Discipline course including karate & Taekwondo.
Returning to Uganda in 2011, Matsiko started serious training in martial arts; Taekwondo, karate, Muay Thai. He joined a YMCA club under coach Swaleh Kakonge who was the first Uganda Kick Boxing Federation President before the late Hassan Sekirime took over.
Galaxy FM 100.2 Zzina reporter, Huzaifa Ssenkima linked up with him at City gym on Kampala Boulevard and had a conversation.
Huzaifa: Who inspired you to join kick-boxing ?
Alex: Well… It all started when I was young and wished to be like the likes of Van damme, Billy Blanks, and Bruce Lee while watching their movies. Ugandan John Mugabe ‘’The Beast’’ also inspired me, one Christmas he had a fight in Kabale and after watching him I felt like I should be like him.
Huzaifa: Please, Tell me about your kickboxing journey?
Alex: My journey started way back in 2001 when was in my form 4 vacation. I used to pass-by (KBC) Kampala Boxing Club and watch guys train. I also started training at Poweflex in Mengo. While in Iraq, I got an opportunity and trained with Holly Wood movie actor, Billy blanks. From there i had amateur fights from 2004-2005.
Huzaifa: When did you turn pro and how many titles have you won?
Alex: I turned pro in 2012 and I have won 3 titles so far; International title against a Hungarian, Isungi Instivan at MTN Arena Lugogo in 2014. The second title was (WKF) International title in K1 Light middle weight against Khalil Bamermech from UAE in 2015. In 2017 I defeated an Austrian, Alexander doctor in (WKF) intercontinental championship light middle weight rocky style.
Huzaifa: Which weight do you compete in?
Alex: Super Walter and Light middle weight.
Huzaifa: How does your fighting record stand?
Alex: I have had 19 fights, 15 wins, 7 Knock outs, and 4 loses. In 2017, I won a fight in Muay Thai fights in Thailand. I also had a World fighting League in China but unfortunately I lost. In February and March 2018, I had two Muay Thai fights in Thailand and won both of them by KO.
Huzaifa: Who is your toughest opponent?
Alex: There is a guy I met in Shaolin Temple – China in 2017 but I dont remember his name.
Huzaifa: Who would you love to fight?
Alex: That very Chinese guy I lost to in 2017 in Shaolin Temple and we have had some preparations with him for a re-match together with my promoters.
Huzaifa: What are some of your incoming fights?
Alex: I have a World Fight League (WFL) in China this year as well and another fight in Max Montai in Thailand.
Huzaifa: What and how was your latest fight?
Alex: My latest fight was in March this year in Thailand and I won it with with a Knock out. I was supposed to have another fight immediately, unfortunately I suffered a knee injury.
Huzaifa: Any woman in your life?
Alex: Ahh–am seeing someone but it’s not yet time for me to mention her out in public, and I have no kid.
Huzaifa: Who is your role model?
Alex: In sport of course it’s Floyd Mayweather. I may not reach his level but will also do my best to reach somewhere.
Huzaifa: How often do you take a shower?
Alex: Haha. I can say whenever I feel uncomfortable I do shower possibly twice a day or even after training because I train twice a day morning and evening hours.
Huzaifa: Where do you train from?
Alex: Kampala City gym.
Huzaifa: What is your favorite dish?
Alex: Rice, Irish and fresh fish.
Huzaifa: How are you guys treated when you are abroad for the fights?
Alex: Well… It depends on the promoters that have invited and prepared for a fight. But if it’s a big company that has invited you you’re treated like an ambassador and as a person of value.
Huzaifa: Which languages are you well versed with?
Alex: Its English, Luganda, Runyankore, Rukiga, and some little bit of Spanish.
Huzaifa: Any appeal to the government?
Alex: The government should start treasuring its ambassadors because we sports personalities represent our country everywhere we go. When we go abroad we represent and raise the country’s flag high. Recognizing sports personalities and supporting them financially because when you go to countries like China, Thailand people of my level are treated like kings. Providing bursaries in schools to young talents to enhance their career as well as encouraging different companies and and personalities to sponsor sports events.
Huzaifa: What’s your advice to your fellow youths out there?
Alex: It all starts with you. It’s all about getting started and believing in yourself.
Huzaifa: Any attempts you have had to fight Golola?
Alex: Yeah, I was to fight him last year but he terminated the contract and even this year promoters have tried it but Golola keeps declining the interests. You know it’s all about giving back to the fans I respect Golola so much and if all goes well we shall have it as every one wishes to watch it happen.
Huzaifa: Alex, Do you use drugs?
Alex: To me I see that as a weakness. And I can’t do that. If am to fight someone I have to stand firm and become myself but not being under the influence of drugs.
Huzaifa: Have you had any challenges in the profession?
Alex: Yeah, lack of enough funds for the diet when training, traveling abroad. Language barrier mostly abroad u find someone seconding you but only use signs for communication which Is a challenge as well.
Huzaifa: How do you rate yourself so far?
Alex: Can’t fail to thank God all I used to see as dreams have partly come true. And it has been God from day one. I may not be all there but I have done my best too.
Huzaifa: What are you apparently doing?
Alex: Ahh.. Basically am left with a few years to retire and start planning of what will come next in my retirement life because I have to settle with my family.
