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In a much-hyped celebrity boxing contest that drew a lively crowd to the MTN Arena, Lugogo, musician Rickman Manrick delivered a stunning upset on Saturday night when he knocked out socialite Shakib Cham Lutaaya (commonly referred to as Shakib). The bout, billed as part of the “Kampala Rumble” series, ended decisively in Rickman’s favour and immediately set social media alight with clips, reactions and commentary.
When did Rickman beat up Shakib Cham?
The fight — held on August 30, 2025 — began competitively, with both men trading strikes in the opening round. Video footage circulating online shows Rickman gaining control in the second round, cornering Shakib and landing a heavy combination that sent him to the canvas. The referee stopped the contest shortly afterwards when Shakib failed to beat the count.
Among the most striking images from the night was Zari Hassan, Shakib’s wife, who was visibly emotional as paramedics and event staff tended to her husband ringside. Several clips captured Zari rushing to Shakib’s side after the defeat, consoling him amid a mixture of boos and cheers from the crowd.
Build-up, expectations and the upset
In the build-up to the bout both camps traded bravado on social media. Shakib had publicly vowed to dominate Rickman, promising an emphatic performance that would “finish” the challenge — a narrative the crowd and many fans amplified in the days before the match. Rickman, who has previously courted attention for his public relationships and music, went into the ring with a determined game plan and delivered under pressure.
The result surprised many: footage and eyewitness reporting suggest Rickman’s superior footwork and timing allowed him to land the decisive blows. After the knockout, commentators and netizens debated the nature and force of the punches, with some questioning whether any blows landed at the back of the head and others praising Rickman’s technique.
Who attended and atmosphere
Organisers marketed the fight heavily across social platforms in the weeks leading up to the event; the MTN Arena was reported to have drawn a mixed crowd of celebrities, fans and boxing enthusiasts. While major named attendees confirmed in coverage include Zari Hassan (present to support Shakib), other well-known personalities were visible in clips posted online, and the atmosphere was described as electric and at times volatile as the momentum swung to Rickman.
Aftermath and social media reaction towards the fight
Within hours of the knockout, clips of the finishing sequence went viral across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Reaction was split: many praised Rickman for his performance and composure, while others rallied around Shakib and Zari, expressing concern and sympathy. Memes and taunts also proliferated — a predictable outcome when celebrity bouts intersect with social media culture.
Event organisers and the fighters’ teams have not, as of reporting, released detailed official medical statements about Shakib’s condition beyond the immediate ringside attention he received; footage shows him conscious after the fight and being assisted out of the arena with Zari close by.
What this means
For Rickman Manrick, the win is a high-profile moment that will amplify his public profile and likely lead to new bookings and media attention. For Shakib and his supporters, the loss is a sobering reminder of the risks of celebrity boxing — where publicity and entertainment meet real physical danger. In the days to come expect both reputational fallout and, potentially, offers for rematches or different cross-industry events.
